Ukrainian Security Nabs Alleged Russian Spy Gathering Intel for FSB in Kyiv
Kyiv, October 2, 2023: In a daring operation carried out by Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) personnel, an alleged Russian spy was apprehended in the heart of Kyiv. The suspect, who had been tasked with gathering intelligence for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), was caught red-handed while photographing a military unit in the capital.
The covert mission orchestrated by the SBU involved multiple stages, culminating in the detention of this alleged FSB agent. The primary objective of the spy was to gather information about specialized units within the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine, focusing particularly on units proficient in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
According to sources, the Russian operative was assigned this mission by his FSB handler in late summer. To execute it, he sought enrollment in one of Kyiv’s “Drone Army” schools. Once admitted, his mission was to identify the training grounds where Ukrainian cadets received instruction on operating attack and reconnaissance drones.
Furthermore, the spy aimed to uncover the bases of Ukrainian UAV special forces and the deployment patterns of their drones. The intelligence gathered was purportedly intended for targeted aerial assaults on Ukrainian military and security installations.
Operating undercover, the agent masqueraded as an ordinary resident, discreetly recording the locations of Ukrainian defenders within the city. The SBU’s investigation revealed that successful completion of these hostile missions promised the agent a monetary reward, to be deposited into his bank account.
The detained individual, a 49-year-old Kyiv-based businessman, had been recruited remotely by an FSB representative two months prior. He came to the attention of Russian authorities due to his anti-Ukrainian posts on a Russian Telegram channel. Subsequent communication occurred through anonymous messenger chats.
The SBU has formally charged the suspect under Article 111, Part 2, of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to treason committed during martial law. This charge carries a potential life imprisonment sentence.
This operation follows last week’s apprehension of suspected Russian agents who were allegedly involved in relaying coordinates to Moscow’s forces during the attack on Kyiv on September 21. Two local residents, believed to be working on behalf of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU), were identified as responsible for directing Russian missiles towards Kyiv.
Also Read: Russian Regions on High Alert Due to Ukrainian Drone Attacks
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, responded to the detention of these Russian agents, stating, “This is a clear warning to all traitors: retribution awaits.”
