The Security Service of Ukraine thwarted a new attempt by the FSB to obtain current information about Ukrainian military units in the Odessa region. He was particularly interested in the geolocations of anti-aircraft missile systems and radar stations that defend the maritime area and coastline of the southern region. Telecommunication facilities in Odessa were also under special attention.
To locate the combat positions of the Defense Forces and strategic infrastructure objects, the Russian intelligence service deployed its agent from the regional center. The perpetrator operated under the guise of a local company director that employs sailors on fishing and trading vessels. Following the Russia's instructions, the agent intentionally traveled around the region, covertly documenting possible locations of Defense Forces positions. He reported the obtained information to the FSB through text messages and Google map markers.
If confirmed coordinates of Ukrainian Armed Forces units were received, the Russians planned to carry out targeted missile and drone strikes on these positions.
The SSU became aware of these plans and timely exposed the Russian agent, documenting every step of his reconnaissance activities. Thanks to the SSU's prompt action, the perpetrator was caught "red-handed" while conducting further reconnaissance near a potential target. They also implemented comprehensive measures to secure Ukrainian troops.
During searches, fake IDs of a "newspaper editor" and a local "water utility employee" were found on the agent. It was also established that to conceal his criminal activities, the agent regularly changed gadgets and SIM cards.
Based on the collected evidence, SSU investigators charged the detainee under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (state treason committed under martial law).
The perpetrator is in custody and faces a life sentence.
