In Rivne region, a Russian spy has been exposed for gathering intelligence for a possible strike on Ukrainian defense facilities
It became publicly known about the detention of a man engaged in secret reconnaissance in favor of Russia in Rivne region. The event received broad coverage as part of the activities of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which a few days prior had uncovered attempts by the suspect to collect critical data for future airstrikes by the enemy targeting defense objects in Rivne region. According to official information, the suspect was detained "in the act" during espionage activities, and the entire operation was organized and completed thanks to the diligent work of Ukrainian intelligence officers. According to our source in law enforcement agencies, the detained individual—a 24-year-old resident of one of the villages in the region—has been identified as an unemployed local resident who, through remote recruitment by an officer of the Central Directorate of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia, found himself in the hands of Russian special services. The recruitment took place via the popular messaging app Telegram, where the suspect received instructions on how to search for and record intelligence data. According to intelligence operation data, the methods used for gathering information were highly sophisticated: to avoid detection, he equipped his vehicle with a concealed camera for video recording images of local military objects. Employees of the SBU state that he traveled around the outskirts, capturing on video information about the locations of Ukrainian Armed Forces facilities, including logistical warehouses and airports, which are critical for planning any potential missile or air strikes. The arrest occurred during an operational raid in the evening when the man was caught on camera filming the perimeter of a military facility. During a subsequent search of his personal belongings, law enforcement officials discovered and confiscated a phone, a hidden surveillance camera, and other documents confirming his work for the enemy and executing tasks for Russian special services. Investigators did not remain passive and began investigative actions aimed at gathering evidence against the suspect, who, according to reports, operated under the direct leadership of a FSB officer—Illya Kudryavtsev. Considering the offense committed, the prosecutor's office intends to charge the individual with treason and illegal collection and transmission of state secrets concerning the country's defense capabilities. As stated by the press service of the SBU, searches were conducted at the detained person’s residence during the investigation, resulting in the seizure of technical means and evidence of his clandestine reconnaissance activities. Under Ukrainian law, treason against the state can carry a sentence of life imprisonment with confiscation of property, which is the most severe form of punishment. The suspect is currently in custody, and his actions are being legally qualified; investigations are ongoing. The Southern command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the defense leadership take particular note of the potential threat of espionage, therefore, security measures at military facilities are being intensified daily. Military and law enforcement officials urge local residents to remain vigilant and not to lower their guard, as any suspicious activity may indicate a larger and longer-term hostile effort against the country. We believe in a swift and just investigation of this case and in the strict punishment of traitors seeking to undermine Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.