Military contractor and blogger arrested on suspicion of sharing Ukrainian military locations
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained two individuals in Kharkiv Oblast suspected of collecting and sharing information about Ukrainian defense forces’ positions with Russian intelligence services, the SBU press center reported on 24 October.
Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Russian espionage and sabotage activities in Ukraine remain significant threats, with the SBU regularly dismantling spy networks, often coordinated by the Russian FSB and GRU agencies. The networks often comprise Ukrainian citizens who gather intelligence on defense positions and critical infrastructure in exchange for promised financial rewards.
According to the SBU, one of the suspects is a 35-year-old female contractor serving at a military unit in Kharkiv Oblast. The security service reports she was recruited through Telegram channels by an FSB representative who posed as a civilian and offered a romantic relationship.
The suspect, who worked as a radio operator, allegedly used her position to gather information about defense forces’ locations in Kharkiv and surrounding areas. The SBU says she also conducted covert surveillance of Ukrainian military positions throughout the city.
The second suspect is identified as a pro-Russian blogger from Kupiansk district who allegedly administered an FSB Telegram channel. According to the security service, the suspect posted geolocations of Ukrainian troops near the frontline district center and encouraged followers to share information about defense forces’ positions and movements in the Kupiansk direction.
The SBU reports that mobile phones containing evidence of subversive activities were seized from both suspects. They have been charged under Articles 114-2, parts 2 and 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for unauthorized dissemination of information about the movement and location of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during martial law.
The suspects are being held in custody without bail and face 8 to 12 years in prison if convicted.
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