The SBU detained a man from Odesa for collecting information on air defense systems and defense enterprises

The SBU’s counterintelligence unit detained an 18-year-old man from Odesa in Kyiv who is suspected of coordinating Russian strikes on Odesa and Dnipro and planning a terrorist attack in the capital. According to the investigation, he gathered information about Ukraine’s air defense and defense-related enterprises, and installed a hidden camera to monitor a potential target.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine, in August 2026, the young man provided Russian intelligence services with the coordinates of a logistics postal terminal in Odesa, which was subsequently attacked by jet-powered drones. In addition, he tracked the locations of Ukrainian air defense systems and defense enterprises in the Odesa region.

<picture></picture>

According to investigators, the agent also traveled to Dnipro, where he conducted reconnaissance on targets assigned to him. Later, at Russia’s behest, he arrived in Kyiv to prepare a terrorist attack.

In the capital, the suspect installed a hidden video camera disguised as a power bank across from the potential victim’s home. He concealed the device in a juice carton covered with tree bark. Using the footage, Russian intelligence agencies planned to track the man’s daily routine and travel routes.

The young man took the camera home to download the video recordings and send them to his Russian handlers. However, SBU officers detained him before he could send the report.

<picture></picture>

According to the security service, the young man was recruited through Telegram channels, where he had been looking for easy money after being laid off from one of Odesa’s post offices. During a search, law enforcement officers seized a concealed camera and a smartphone containing evidence of collaboration with Russia.

Investigators informed the detainee that he is suspected of high treason under martial law, pursuant to Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He was remanded in custody without the right to bail. If found guilty, he faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Анна Літман