The counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has conducted a multi-stage special operation resulting in exposing another Russian agent network in Donetsk Region, the SBU said on Telegram.
It consisted exclusively of local women who supported Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, working for both the FSB and the Wagner private military company. On their handlers' instructions, they collected intelligence on the number and movement of Ukrainian military equipment in the region. First of all, they tried to identify and "leak" to Russia the directions of flights of the Armed Forces combat aircraft, including attack helicopters near Avdiyivka. They were also interested in the routes of movement of heavy armoured vehicles of Ukrainian troops towards the frontline.
To gather intelligence, the women roamed the area, discreetly taking photos of Ukrainian facilities. All the information received was shared through two communication channels - to a Russian FSB handler and a representative of the Wagner PMC. They used closed chats in one of the most popular messengers for communication. SBU officers detained three members of the group while they were collecting intelligence.
In addition, the SBU identified a resident (senior) member of the group who had left for Russia at the beginning of the full-scale invasion to coordinate her "subordinates" from there. According to the investigation, all four Russian agents are residents of Pokrovsk District. Before 24 February 2022, they were recruited by the Russians and until recently were on standby.
During searches at the suspects' residences, SBU officers found mobile phones used in reconnaissance and subversive activities in favour of Russia. SBU investigators have served the three detainees with notices of suspicion. They were placed in custody ahead of court trial. The investigation is ongoing. The suspects are facing life imprisonment.