The SSU Counterintelligence has dismantled an intelligence network of russia’s GRU (the main directorate of the general staff of russian armed forces), which operated in Kharkiv and Zhytomyr oblasts. As a result of the special operation, three agents were detained, including a russian citizen.

On the enemy’s instructions, they collected information on locations and movements of Ukrainian Defence Forces in both regions.

The informants gathered data on russian air attacks on critical and social infrastructure and then reported to the GRU on possible hits.

The collected information was passed to a resident (senior) of the group, based in Belgorod, russia. The latter is a covert, non-staff representative of the GRU’s 74th intelligence centre.

He forwarded the data to his handler, an officer of russia’s military intelligence.

The occupiers needed the intelligence to prepare and carry out strikes on Ukrainian targets.

The SSU Counterintelligence identified the location of the enemy spies and detained them at their homes.

According to the investigation, the apprehended members of the network are locals, recruited by the GRU before the full-scale invasion.

They came to the aggressor’s attention during repeated visits to russia, where they were recruited.

After 24 February 2022, the GRU activated its agents and switched to regular communication with them through a messenger app.

Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators notified the detained individuals of suspicion under Articles of the CCU:

• 110.2 (encroachment on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and inviolability);
• 111.2 (high treason committed under martial law);
• 114-2.3 (unauthorized dissemination of information on sending, transfer of weapons, armaments and ammunition to Ukraine, movement and transfer of the AFU).

The suspects are in custody, facing life imprisonment.

Earlier, the SSU Counterintelligence had detained another three members of this intelligence network.

The operation was conducted under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.