The Security Service’s military counter-intelligence has detained a former sailor in Odesa on suspicion of adjusting strikes on the city on the FSB’s orders.
This is stated in the security service’s press release.
The investigation found that the suspect guided the aggressor state’s jet-powered drones towards Ukrainian air defence positions protecting the regional centre’s airspace.
SBU officers detained him at his place of residence. Defence Forces basing points in the area of Russia’s espionage activity were also secured.
According to the case materials, the Russian special service recruited the former sailor after he was discharged from a vessel. To draw the man into cooperation, the FSB used an acquaintance of his — a former police officer from Odesa who had moved to Russia.
To carry out the hostile task, the agent cycled around the regional centre and its outskirts, covertly taking photos and videos of the locations of potential “targets”.
It has also been documented that the suspect repeatedly expressed support for the Kremlin regime among those around him.
During searches, investigators seized a video camera and a smartphone from the detainee, which he used to gather intelligence and maintain covert contacts with the FSB.
Security Service investigators have served the agent with a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).
The suspect is being held in custody without the right to post bail. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.