SBU detains Russian agents from Odesa and Khmelnytskyi regions for preparing attacks on energy sector

The Security Service of Ukraine detained two more Russian military intelligence agents who were collecting data for missile strikes in Kyiv region. The targets of the occupiers were energy infrastructure facilities - thermal and hydroelectric power plants in the capital region.

This was reported by the SBU press service.

According to the investigation, Russian recruits from Odesa and Khmelnytsky regions, aged 19 and 21, collected coordinates of energy facilities in Kyiv, recorded the effects of previous attacks, and transmitted information through anonymous chats.

They came to the attention of the Russian group after searching for "easy money" on Telegram in the fall of this year.

After being recruited, they were sent to Kyiv to adjust for possible new attacks. During their rounds of the territory, they also took photos of checkpoints and marked them on the map.

SBU cyber specialists detained the agents when they were conducting additional reconnaissance near potential targets. During the searches, they seized their phones with correspondence with a Russian curator.

Both were notified of suspicion of high treason under martial law (Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code). They were taken into custody without bail and could face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was conducted by the SBU in Kyiv and the region under the procedural supervision of the city and regional prosecutor's offices.

At the end of October, the SBU detained a British citizen who is accused of cooperating with Russian special services and passing them classified information about the Ukrainian military.

At first, the man worked as an instructor for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Mykolaiv, and later at a border guard detachment. In the fall, he moved to Odesa, where he got in touch with a representative of the Russian special services and agreed to collect intelligence in exchange for money. He collected data on strategic facilities in Odesa, was interested in explosives and sought to establish contacts with the Ukrainian military leadership.

Анна Бальчінос