As a result of a special operation in Odesa, the SSU Military Counterintelligence exposed two agents of the russian GRU (main directorate of the general staff of the russian armed forces).

The spies were collecting intelligence on sites of possible deployment and movement of Ukrainian air defence units in the region. However, the SSU timely detected the agents and stablished control over them at the initial stage of sabotage activity.

Eventually, the SSU detained the couple on their attempt to pass classified information to russia.

Both detainees - a man (born in Odesa, served in the russian army, took part in combat in Chechnya) and his wife – are russian citizens. They were sent to Ukraine in advance - in 2018, and received residence permits. In this way, russian military intelligence planned to create its own intelligence network in the south of Ukraine.

Before the full-scale invasion, the family collected data on the socio-political situation in the oblast and expanded their circle of contacts, preparing for major assignments.

After February 24, their primary objective was to identify combat positions of Crotale anti-aircraft missile systems and location of field artillery depots with ammunition for SAM systems. Occupiers needed this intelligence to strike with Kalibr or Kinzhal missiles on Ukrainian military targets.

The agents began to actively collect information on Ukrainian Defence Forces on Kherson axis.

The cell sent the collected data to a ‘contact’ - a resident of Sevastopol, a former russian special forces officer, who covertly cooperates with the GRU and uses the position of a charity foundation head as a cover. He passed the intelligence to his supervisor - an officer of the russian military intelligence.

To communicate with russian intelligence, the agents used a pre-arranged anonymous Telegram channel.

During the searches at the suspects’ home, the SSU found mobile phones and computer equipment with evidence of their communication with the aggressor.

SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under Article 114 of the CCU (espionage). Court chose custody as a measure of restraint.

The special operation was carried out by the SSU Military Counterintelligence jointly with investigators of the SSU Odesa Office with the participation of the SSU CI Department and the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.