SBU detains Russian agent scouting energy targets
SBU (Photo: File photo)
Ukraine's SBU Security Service detained a Russian agent in Kropyvnytskyi who was preparing new Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's fuel and energy infrastructure, the agency's press service reported on Aug. 11.
According to the SBU, the priority targets designated for the suspect by his handler included local fuel depots, fuel and lubricant storage facilities, and key power plants.
The agent's task was to locate the relevant facilities, photograph or film them, and pass along their coordinates.
The investigation found that he drove around Kropyvnytskyi and surrounding areas in his own car to carry out this reconnaissance. He also tracked the positions of Ukrainian air defense units and documented the aftermath of previous strikes.
According to case materials, the strikes were being prepared by a local draft dodger with pro-Kremlin views who had been recruited by Russian intelligence.
The investigation found that the man not only received training from his Russian handler but also studied intelligence-gathering techniques using manuals from Russian military educational institutions that he found online.
The SBU said its cyber specialists and investigators identified the suspect, documented his activities, and detained him at his place of residence.
During a search, agents seized a smartphone containing evidence of his work for Russia.
SBU investigators have charged the detainee under Part 2, Article 111 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (treason committed under martial law).
He is currently in custody and faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
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