Ukraine counterintelligence nabs two ex-militants

Counterintelligence operatives with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have apprehended two former members of illegal armed groups who had taken an active part in hostilities against the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Donbas.

The arrests came during the raids carried out in Odesa and Kharkiv regions, the SBU press center reported, according to Ukrinform.

The inquiry established that the perpetrators had been part of militant groups in 2014-2016. During the said period, the culprits were fighting against the Ukrainian military in the areas of Donetsk, Debaltseve, Shyrokine, and Dokuchaivsk.

The suspects were charged under Part 1 Article 258-3 (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organization) of the Criminal Code.

Further investigation is underway to reveal all circumstances of their illegal activity and bring to justice other individuals complicit in crimes against Ukraine’s national security.

The raid was supervised by the Odesa and Kharkiv regional prosecutor's offices.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the SBU detained a Russian military intelligence asset who had been gathering intelligence on Ukrainian forces in the Joint Forces Operation zone.

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