The SSU Counterintelligence has detained another informant of russian military intelligence, who operated in Mykolaiv oblast. The perpetrator was trying to identify combat positions of air defence complexes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

To do this, he launched unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with video cameras.

A messenger app was used to transmit the data to a ‘contact’ from the russian intelligence. This ‘liaison’ turned out to be a former member of the disbanded ‘Berkut’ special militsiya unit; he is currently in the Crimea and works for the occupiers.

The enemy planned to use the information to prepare sabotage and missile strikes in the region, including on Ukrainian air defence systems.

The SSU identified the agent in the early stages of his activities. The suspect’s actions were documented, while the AFU units were protected.

At the final stage of the operation, the perpetrator was detained in his home.

During the search, the SSU seized the reconnaissance drones, as well as substances for domestic production of explosives.

The enemy accomplice may have been preparing to blow up the Defence Forces facilities that he found with his drones.

According to the investigation, the aggressor’s asset is a former employee of a local defence plant.

He came to the occupiers’ attention through his comments in russian Telegram channels, where he supported the aggressive war against Ukraine.

SSU investigators have now served the detainee a notice of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 114-2.3 (unauthorized dissemination of information on transfer or deployment of the AFU, committed under martial law);
• 436-2.2, 436-2.3 (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The suspect is in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison.

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