The Security Service of Ukraine has apprehended a Russian agent involved in espionage in the Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad regions. The perpetrator was preparing new aerial assaults from Russia against these areas.
According to the investigation, the agent's primary task was to identify military airfields of the Defense Forces and air defense systems to relay their coordinates.
It was revealed that the recruited individual was an 18-year-old technical college student from Poltava. He came to the attention of Russian intelligence while seeking «easy money» on Telegram.
To gather intelligence, the young man «traveled» through central Ukraine, secretly photographing potential targets and the aftermath of enemy shelling.
In case he identified any aviation objects, the agent planned to set up «beacons» with remote access for the occupiers.
Using espionage devices, the enemy hoped to track the presence of airbases and the location of mobile fire groups of air defense to carry out strikes.
SBU employees uncovered the agent in time and detained him before he could set up the espionage device.
During the searches, they confiscated a smartphone with evidence of communication with a handler and mini cameras for adjusting Russian air strikes.
Investigators from the Security Service informed the suspect of charges under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law).
The perpetrator is being held in custody without the right to bail. He faces life imprisonment with asset confiscation. Comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU employees in the Poltava region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.