SBU detains Russian agent who directed strikes on Odesa

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a Russian agent who was adjusting strikes on Odesa and gathering intelligence on Ukrainian troops.

That is according to a statement by the SBU, Ukrinform reports.

The agent of Russian military intelligence (better known as the GRU) was passing enemy forces the coordinates of local facilities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and photographing license plates of vehicles parked nearby.

According to available information, the Russians could have used this data not only to plan further shelling of the region, but also to carry out terrorist attacks against service members using those vehicles.

The investigation established that the suspect was a local businesswoman. She came to the attention of Russian intelligence through an acquaintance living in Russia who works for the GRU.

The SBU's Internal Security Department reported that among the aggressor's potential targets were SBU and Ukrainian Armed Forces units engaged in combat operations on the southern front.

Security officers detained the woman while she was photographing vehicles near a defense facility.

During searches, they seized her smartphone, which contained intelligence data and evidence of coordination with the Russian GRU.

SBU investigators have charged her under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law).

The suspect is being held in custody without bail. She faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Photo credit: SBU