The SSU has foiled new attempts by the russian intelligence services to obtain information on Kharkiv’s defence.

The aggressor was preparing new missile and drone strikes as well as a breakthrough of sabotage and reconnaissance groups to the northern outskirts of the city.

To collect intelligence, the enemy engaged their informant, an ideological supporter of ruscism living in Kharkiv’s suburbs.

As the investigation established, the occupiers recruited the asset through a popular dating chat on Telegram.

There, a liaison of russian intelligence, posing as an ordinary citizen, offered him a relationship.

After the man accepted the offer, the woman gradually involved him in reconnaissance and sabotage.

Following her instructions, the spy walked around the northern part of Kharkiv district and covertly recorded sites with large concentrations of the Defence Forces personnel.

The SSU detained him ‘red-handed’ when he was taking pictures of Ukrainian military vehicles.

A mobile phone, which was used for communication with the russian ‘girlfriend’ and photographing military facilities, was seized from the perpetrator.

The investigators have notified the detainee of suspicion under Article 114-2.2 of the CCU (unauthorized dissemination of information on movement or location of the AFU or other lawful military formations, committed under martial law).

The suspect is in custody and faces up to 8 years in prison.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Kharkiv Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.