The SSU Counterintelligence has derailed russia’s plans to create conditions for occupation of coastal areas of Mykolaiv oblast.

As a result of a large-scale special operation in Ochakiv, the SSU detained an agent of the main directorate of the general staff of the russian armed forces (better known as the GRU), who was collecting intelligence for capturing Ochakiv.

According to the investigation, the russian military intelligence instructed their agent to engage the town authorities in cooperation with the occupiers.

For this, the mayor was offered to ‘choose any position’ if the southern region is occupied.

However, the mayor, being a patriot, informed the SSU about the recruitment attempts and helped to expose the enemy plans.

The investigation established that the GRU agent was a former commander of one of the special operations centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

After service, he got a job at Ochakiv Town Council.

When the aggressor launched its full-scale invasion, russian military intelligence contacted him and instructed to conduct sabotage and reconnaissance activities against Ukraine.

The agent was in constant communication with a serving officer of the GRU - Kolesnikov Sergey Aleksandrovich (date of birth: 31 July 1971, country of birth: Ukraine).

It was on Kolesnikov’s instructions that the agent in the town council covertly collected intelligence on location and movement of the Defence Forces units involved in protecting coastal areas.

To do this, he tried to use connections among former military servicemen and currently serving officials.

The enemy informant also formed his own extensive network of sources to gather and transmit intelligence for the benefit of the aggressor state.

Anonymous messenger apps were used for communication with the russian supervisors.

During the search at the traitor’s home, the SSU found a ‘secret’ phone, which he used for communication with the occupiers, as well as thermal imagers and unregistered weapons with ammunition.

SSU investigators have notified the apprehended agent of suspicion of high treason committed under martial law (Article 111.2 of the CCU).

The court chose custody as a measure of restraint for the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing.

The SSU Office in Mykolaiv region carried out the operation and investigative activities under the coordination of the SSU Counterintelligence Department and procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.