With the assistance of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Military Counterintelligence Department of the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police have detained an FSB agent who was gathering data on defence installations and critical infrastructure in order to adjust massive attacks on Kyiv between 21 and 24 September this year.

The perpetrator spent four days tracking potential ‘targets’ in order to direct Geran-5 type jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles at the capital.

As a result of the attacks that took place during this period, civilians in Kyiv were killed or injured. The shelling also damaged residential areas in several districts of the city, as well as a maternity hospital.

The investigation revealed that the enemy attacks were directed by a Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman who had recently been mobilised in the Ternopil region.

Shortly after being called up, he deserted his unit’s base in the Kyiv region. He then settled in a hostel in the capital and began looking for ‘easy’ money on Telegram channels.

A russian intelligence operative recruited him via the messaging app and, for the promise of ‘quick payments’, instructed him to direct strikes against Kyiv.

The agent provided russia with the locations of facilities that he believed could be used by the Ukrainian Defence Forces. Following the enemy strikes, he walked to the sites to inspect the aftermath.

The traitor also plotted to set fire to official vehicles belonging to Ukrainian defenders, and carried out a reconnaissance mission to the Poltava region to assess the situation there following recent shelling.

The SSU apprehended the spotter near his temporary home. Two smartphones, which he had used to coordinate his actions with russia’s federal security service, were found in his possession during searches. A flammable mixture, which he had planned to use to set fire to a Ukrainian soldier’s car, was also seized.

SSU investigators have notified the detainee of his status as a suspect under Article 111.2 of the CCU – high treason, committed under martial law.

The suspect is in custody and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.