17 August 2026, 16:59
The SBU detained a Russian informant in the Kherson region who was directing unmanned aerial vehicles at the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Ця стаття також доступна українською
PHOTO: SBU
The Security Service of Ukraine detained a resident of the Bilozerka community in the Kherson region who, according to the investigation, was passing information about the Defense Forces to Russian intelligence services and helping to plan attacks on the frontline region.
According to the SBU, the woman was gathering intelligence for the enemy in an area located approximately 10 km from the front line.
According to the investigation, she was recruited to collaborate with Russian intelligence agencies by a longtime acquaintance who resides in Russia and herself cooperates with representatives of Russian intelligence agencies.
After receiving her assignments, the suspect drove her own car through the area near the front lines. She identified the locations of Ukrainian military units and tracked the routes of Ukrainian Armed Forces military equipment as it moved toward the front line.
The woman passed the gathered information to the Russian side in the form of coordinates for potential targets, which she marked on Google Maps.
According to the SBU, the Russian military planned to use the data to prepare strikes against Ukrainian defenders, including the use of guided aerial bombs.
Counterintelligence officers exposed the informant in advance and documented her activities. The woman was detained during another reconnaissance trip.
During a search of her vehicle, law enforcement officers seized a smartphone which, according to the investigation, contained evidence of her collaboration with Russian intelligence services.
SBU investigators informed the detainee that she is suspected of violating Part 2 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—the unauthorized dissemination of information regarding the movement or deployment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or other military formations, committed under martial law.
The woman is currently in custody. She faces up to 8 years in prison.
Authorities are also considering whether to additionally charge her under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—treason committed under martial law.
