SBU detains agent who collected coordinates for strike on Kyiv

Detention during transfer of intelligence data

The counterintelligence service of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained an agent of Russian special services who was preparing data for a new missile and drone strike on Kyiv. The man was gathering information on the locations of units of the Defence Forces, as well as facilities of the capital's civilian infrastructure.

The operation was carried out when the suspect had already sent a handler a photograph showing the location of one of the Ukrainian Armed Forces units. According to the investigation, he was subsequently to send him a photograph with the coordinates of the facility. The Russians may have planned to attack it with an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Details of recruitment and cover

According to the investigation, the detainee is a resident of Cherkasy region. He was recruited by Russian special services before the start of the full-scale invasion. At that time, the man worked as a long-haul truck driver and periodically made trips to Russia.

After recruitment, the agent remained in a state of dormancy for a long time. He received his task from the handler recently. To ensure cover during intelligence operations, the man took his cohabitant with him. Their movements were intended to mimic ordinary walks by a couple.

Targets and charges

In addition to military facilities, the suspect was to determine the locations of several petrol stations and postal terminals in Kyiv. These coordinates were also to be passed to the Russian side.

SBU investigators informed the detainee of suspicion of committing high treason under martial law.