The military counterintelligence department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has detained another suspected Russian agent in Odessa. The suspect is a former merchant seaman who, after retiring, allegedly began cooperating with Russia's FSB and helped direct strikes against the port city.
According to the investigation, the suspect provided targeting information for Russian jet-powered drones aimed at Ukrainian air defence positions protecting the airspace over Odessa.
SSU officers identified the agent in advance and detained him at his residence. Measures were also taken to secure Defence Forces bases in the area where Russian intelligence activities had been detected.
According to the case materials, Russian intelligence recruited the former seaman after he had left his ship. To establish contact with him, the FSB used an acquaintance of his — a former police officer from Odessa who had moved to Russia.
To carry out his assignments, the suspect cycled around Odessa and its outskirts, covertly photographing and filming the locations of potential targets.
Investigators also documented numerous occasions on which the suspect openly expressed support for the Kremlin regime to people around him.
During searches, officers seized a video camera and a smartphone that the suspect allegedly used to gather intelligence and maintain covert communications with the FSB.
SSU investigators have notified the suspect that he is being investigated under Article 111, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law). The suspect is being held in custody without the possibility of bail. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
