SBU reveals Russian spy inside Ukraine’s Air Force plotting attacks on key fighter bases
Nation31 July 2025, 01:09 AM
The man, an instructor pilot and officer in one of Ukraine’s air brigades, was reportedly gathering intelligence to assist Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian military targets. His unit is responsible for intercepting incoming Russian aerial threats and providing air support for ground operations.
According to investigators, the suspect transmitted data on several targets to Russian intelligence, including airfields housing Ukrainian F-16, Mirage 2000, and Su-24 fighter jets. He allegedly compiled detailed information on the aircrafts’ locations, flight schedules, and deployment rotations.
The SBU said the agent also prepared an analytical report for Russia’s military, offering recommendations on how to carry out coordinated missile and drone strikes that could bypass Ukrainian air defenses. In addition, he is accused of sharing personal information about Ukrainian pilots, aircraft identification numbers, weapons systems, and combat flight tactics.
To avoid detection, the suspect reportedly used anonymous email accounts and encrypted messenger platforms to communicate with Russian handlers.
Security officials arrested the man as he attempted to gather new intelligence. He is expected to be formally charged with treason under martial law, which carries a possible life sentence and property confiscation.
The investigation is being led by the SBU in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast under the supervision of the Specialized Defense Prosecutor's Office of Western Oblast.
The SBU credited the arrest to cooperation with Ukraine’s top military commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi. The agency said the suspect had been recruited through his ex-wife, a former Ukrainian service member who now works for Russian invaders in occupied Melitopol.
The arrest was made during a counterintelligence operation in Lviv Oblast. On July 3, the SBU announced it had foiled another Russian attempt to identify the coordinates of Ukraine’s aviation infrastructure.