SBU detains Russian agent who was preparing attack on Kyiv

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained an agent of the Russian military intelligence who was preparing to coordinate a drone attack on Kyiv scheduled for 1 January 2025. 

According to the investigation, her task was to prepare precise GPS coordinates for strikes on administrative buildings and energy facilities in Ukraine.

To carry out the task, the woman used a mobile phone to photograph the targets, recording precise geolocation data. She then passed the obtained materials to her handler in Russia via anonymous chats. 

In addition, she conducted reconnaissance in the areas where Ukrainian air defence systems protecting the capital are located, as well as monitoring a radar station in the vicinity of Kyiv.

The detention took place in a rented apartment in Kyiv when the suspect attempted to hand over the next batch of intelligence data. It emerged that the detainee is a 27-year-old local resident who is officially unemployed. In search of easy money, she turned to Telegram channels, where she was recruited by a representative of the Russian military intelligence.

During the search, investigators found a mobile phone containing evidence of collaboration with Russian security services, as well as a large number of SIM cards used for covert communication with the aggressor.

At present, the investigation has charged her under Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (unauthorised dissemination of information on the location of military formations). 

The suspect is in custody and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The complex of operational measures was carried out by SBU investigative bodies under the supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.