Ukraine’s SSU counterintelligence detained a Russian agent in the Chernivtsi region. The individual was coordinating Russian missile and drone strikes on the regional center and encouraging further attacks across western Ukraine.
The agent’s main tasks included identifying, photographing, and filming local industrial facilities, aviation infrastructure, and Ukrzaliznytsia (railway) sites.
According to the investigation, the 35-year-old local unemployed man, who was avoiding mobilization, was recruited via a Telegram channel where he justified Russia’s armed aggression and war crimes, including attacks on civilian buildings.
After recruitment, he surveyed Chernivtsi, documenting critical infrastructure and locations he believed could be used by Ukrainian defenders. He compiled this information into “reports” sent to a chat bot created by Russian operatives.
In parallel, the agent posted anti-Ukrainian comments on the banned social network VKontakte, including support for the combined Russian strike on Chernivtsi in July, which resulted in civilian casualties and serious injuries.
SSU counterintelligence detained the individual at his residence in the regional center. During searches, pro-Kremlin symbols, technical drawings, and a smartphone containing evidence of directing Russian strikes on Bukovina were seized.
The SSU has charged the suspect under:
- Part 2, Article 111 (high treason committed under martial law)
- Part 3, Article 436-2 (creation and dissemination of materials justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine)
The suspect remains in custody and faces life imprisonment with property confiscation.
