The SSU Counterintelligence has prevented a fighter from russian armed formations from fleeing Ukraine after he fought in Donetsk region. The suspect was detained at a hotel in Kovel, Volyn region, from where he planned to travel to the European Union.

According to the investigation, the suspect is a Donetsk resident who, in 2015, joined the russia-controlled Somali armed group of the so called ‘dnr’.

While serving with the militants, he participated in the fighting for Donetsk Airport, sustaining injuries that led to his removal from the enemy ranks.

In late October 2025, the suspect travelled to the western border region of Ukraine under the guise of a displaced person in order to obtain a Ukrainian passport for travel to the EU.

The SSU identified the perpetrator’s whereabouts in advance and detained him as he was preparing to flee.

Investigators are also checking for the possible involvement of the detainee in russian intelligence networks, which may have planned his assignment to carry out sabotage inside the European Union.

Searches conducted in the suspect’s hotel room revealed russian and ‘dnr’ passports, a military ID, and insignia of the aggressor country's armed groups.

SSU investigators have served the detainee with a notice of suspicion under two articles of the CCU:

• 111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law);
• 260.2 (participation in the activity of paramilitary or armed formations not provided for by law).

The enemy accomplice is in custody without the right to bail and faces up to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Volyn region together with the State Border Guard Service under the procedural supervision of regional Prosecutor General’s Office.