SBU detains Russian agent who adjusted strikes on Kryvyi Rih's energy sector
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a Russian agent in the Dnipropetrovsk region who was directing missile and drone strikes on the energy infrastructure of Kryvyi Rih.
The SBU said this in a statement seen by Ukrinform.
According to the case materials, the enemy's priority targets were local heat- and power-generating facilities.
To help guide the strikes, the suspect conducted additional reconnaissance near energy facilities to assess their technical condition after Russian attacks and report back to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
The investigation established that the individual guiding the Russian strikes was a 31-year-old assistant engine driver at a mining enterprise who had been recruited by Russia.
He came to the FSB's attention after posting anti-Ukrainian comments on Telegram channels.
To gather intelligence, the agent traveled around the area by public transport, photographing the exterior facades of energy facilities from the window.
The suspect also took note of the locations of personnel and military equipment of Ukraine's Defense Forces.
The SBU acted preemptively and detained the agent at his place of residence when he returned from a reconnaissance outing and was preparing a report for his handler.
During searches, officers seized two smartphones he used to collect intelligence and communicate with the FSB.
SBU investigators have served him with a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).
The suspect is being held in custody. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Photo credit: SBU