SBU arrests suspected deserter accused of supporting Russian airstrikes

According to the press service of the SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested a Ukrainian soldier and accused him of desertion and supporting Russian air strikes on the Vinnytsia and Sumy regions.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Russian espionage and sabotage activities in Ukraine remain a significant threat, as the SBU regularly dismantles espionage networks, often coordinated by the Russian intelligence services FSB and GRU. The networks often consist of Ukrainian citizens who collect information about defense positions and critical infrastructure in exchange for promised financial rewards.

The suspect, who was a 23-year-old deputy commander of a combat vehicle, allegedly fled his military unit in the spring of 2024. The Prosecutor General's Office stated that in March 2024, the contract soldier left the area where he was for medical treatment. He carried out a combat mission, but did not return to his place of duty.

According to police officials, the man became a target for recruitment by Russian intelligence in an attempt to make quick money through Telegram channels. Under the guidance of his superiors, he allegedly tracked the firing positions of the air defense of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Vinnytsia Oblast and transmitted the exact locations of the units to the enemy via messenger.

The SBU claims the suspect later moved to Sumy Oblast, where he was tasked with spying on Defense Forces units. He rented an apartment in a town near the Russian border and presented himself as “Active duty military” to gain the trust of local residents. The man allegedly photographed military facilities, collected information about Ukrainian defenders and marked their coordinates on electronic maps for “reporting“ to his Russian supervisor.

“This information was used by the enemy to prepare attacks on defense force positions with guided aerial bombs, combat drones and missile weapons“, explained the SBU.

Police officers reportedly arrested the man at his residence. He faces a life sentence with confiscation of his property under articles of treason and desertion.

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