In Odessa, a spy network involving a rehabilitative doctor and ex-Ukrzaliznytsia employee was detained: they transmitted data to assist Russian missile strikes
In the port city of Odessa, law enforcement agencies uncovered a sabotage and espionage scheme orchestrated by representatives of the Russian military intelligence. According to the Security Service of Ukraine, the suspects are a 36-year-old former employee of Ukrzaliznytsia and a 61-year-old rehabilitative physician. They established a long-term collaboration with Russian intelligence agencies, effectively gathering confidential information vital for more precise and targeted Russian missile attacks on strategic Ukrainian military and infrastructural targets. Notably, the woman-physician became a key figure in this network, covertly collecting intelligence under the guise of working with military patients. She personally contacted soldiers, collecting data on their deployment locations and defense objects. To enhance their operational efficiency, she involved an acquaintance—a former railway worker—in their activities, and together they transmitted the gathered intelligence to Russian agents. This connection was confirmed by intercepted conversations, which revealed that they received clear instructions about priorities, including targeting Ukrainian air defense positions and reserve command centers in the Odessa region, as well as collecting logistical data such as train schedules and geolocations of transit stations to coordinate attacks on logistical routes. Furthermore, both agents periodically surveyed the city and its outskirts, recording potential targets on camera for further exploitation by the enemy. After collecting sufficient data, the Ukrainian security authorities detained the suspects and charged them with high treason committed during wartime, with a possible life sentence and confiscation of property. Recently, on June 28, Odessa was hit by a massive drone attack, resulting in two deaths and 14 injuries, highlighting once again the importance of active counterintelligence measures and ongoing efforts to combat enemy reconnaissance activities.