As a result of a special operation in Odesa, the SSU detained an FSB agent who gathered intelligence and prepared sabotage in the region.

Over the last month, the suspect has been actively promoting his image as a potential candidate for the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian parliament.

To this end, he joined a local NGO working on environmental issues and placed his political advertisements on several passenger buses in the city.

According to the investigation, the money for both ‘actions’ was provided by russia’s FSB. Separately, their asset also requested a monthly pay of USD 5,500.

The SSU documented that the enemy agent had tried to identify locations of air defence and coastal defence positions, including the AFU’s anti-ship complexes.

The ‘candidate’ was detained ‘red-handed’ when he was conducting additional reconnaissance near one of the sites.

The apprehended individual is a local resident who was recruited remotely by the russian service in October this year. ‘Mazepa’ was the code name given to him by his handlers.

To take photos and videos of his targets, he purchased a special covert recording device on the black market.

The collected information was transmitted through a messenger app, using different phone numbers and accounts.

The enemy agent also wrote an application to join the kremlin’s united russia party and, if the region is captured, hoped to be in the senior management of the occupation administration.

During the search of the suspect’s home, the SSU found a mobile phone with evidence of communication with the aggressor, as well as bottles with Molotov cocktails and an application to join a pro-putin party.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators served the detainee a notice of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law).

The suspect is in custody, facing life imprisonment.

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