The Security Service of Ukraine, with the support of the Armed Forces Commander, has dismantled a Russian military intelligence spy network in Zaporizhzhia.

According to the investigation, a priest from a local church coordinated this hostile cell, recruiting pro-Russian locals during sermons where he justified Russian aggression and war crimes. Eventually, he began enlisting potential candidates for the aggressor's intelligence network. The SBU uncovered his criminal activities when they apprehended a Russian spotter, who then testified against the priest.

It was established that the priest also recruited a 41-year-old serviceman from a local military unit. Following instructions from Russian intelligence, the agent provided information about the deployment, strength, and armament of Ukrainian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region.

They coordinated their actions with a resident (senior agent) from the 316th reconnaissance center of the Russian military intelligence, who turned out to be a former law enforcement officer from Zaporizhzhia.

During searches, phones and computer equipment containing evidence of crimes were discovered. The priest was also found in possession of a Russian passport, ammunition, and cold weapons.

Investigators have notified both detainees of their suspicion under five articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, and they are currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing to hold all individuals involved in the Russian spy network accountable.