Ukraine arrests suspected Russian agent in Chernihiv for arson and targeting military sites

On 13 November, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported the arrest of a suspected Russian intelligence agent in Chernihiv, believed to be affiliated with the Russian GRU military intelligence agency. The suspect, a 45-year-old local man and supporter of “Rashism” – an umbrella term for pro-Russian imperialistic ideologies – was allegedly involved in activities directed by Russian handlers, including arson and reconnaissance on Ukrainian military and civilian sites.

Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Russia’s espionage and sabotage activities are on the rise in Ukraine, with the SBU regularly reporting arrests of suspected Russian spies and saboteurs. Most reported cases involve setting Ukrainian soldiers’ cars on fire in exchange for promised monetary rewards.

According to the SBU, the suspect initially carried out “test missions” by setting fire to a military vehicle and a transformer substation in Chernihiv. Following these acts, he received orders to conduct reconnaissance for Russian attacks in northern Ukraine. The alleged agent reportedly rented apartments with panoramic views of defense and civilian facilities, focusing on Ukrainian Armed Forces repair bases and medical centers where injured soldiers were treated.

The SBU reports that the detainee admitted expressing to his Russian handler a willingness to assassinate Ukrainian soldiers, planning to use homemade explosives and kamikaze drones for the attacks.

The SBU says it intervened to prevent any attacks and arrested the suspect. Authorities seized a mobile phone and computer used to communicate with Russian handlers. The suspect faces charges under two articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code: Part 2, Article 111 (state treason during martial law) and Part 2, Article 114-2 (unauthorized dissemination of military information during martial law). If convicted, he faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

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