The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has identified and detained a resident of Mykolaiv region who was openly collaborating with Russian special services and spying on Ukrainian defenders in the south of the country
Operatives from the SBU’s counterintelligence division reported that the woman, 57 years old and an employee of one of the city council departments in Pervomaisk, systematically collected secret information about the deployment of Ukrainian military forces in the region. This act of treason occurred at a time when Ukrainian defenders were fighting for their land and security — making the events surrounding her exposure particularly alarming for the safety of local communities. According to the SBU’s press center, the arrest took place directly during a working meeting, where the suspect was present together with management and colleagues. This indicates her trust in her surroundings and highlights the extent of her covert connection with the enemy. According to available investigation data, the woman conducted special reconnaissance activities — attempting to identify new locations of Ukrainian Armed Forces frontline units, which, following the start of Russia’s full-scale offensive, were relocating from known bases to safer and less vulnerable areas. Additionally, she tracked the routes of military equipment movement, recorded the names and numbers of technical assets moving toward the front. The most dangerous aspect was the information she gathered and transmitted through a spy chatbot, managed by pro-Russian blogger Sergey Lebedyev, known by the pseudonym “Lohmaty.” According to official sources, this bot operates in the temporarily occupied city of Donetsk and serves as a communication channel for collaborating with the enemy. The obtained data was further transferred into the hands of agents from Russian law enforcement agencies — the FSB and military intelligence of the aggressor country — which used it to prepare new sabotage operations and information campaigns against Ukraine. During authorized searches, the suspect’s mobile phones, laptops, and other equipment used for illicit activities and traces of working for the enemy were seized. The woman is currently in detention, and her activities are classified under articles that prescribe responsibility for state treason and espionage. Under Ukrainian law, such crimes can carry sentences of up to 15 years in prison or even life imprisonment with property confiscation. This case is yet another confirmation of how serious and extensive the fight by Ukrainian security agencies is against internal traitors, who loudly proclaim their loyalty but secretly work for the enemy and pose a threat to national security. At this time, Ukrainian law enforcement urges citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities that could undermine our defenses and the safety of the country.