Ukraine arrests UN aid volunteer accused of spying for Russia in Donetsk Oblast
The male suspect used food aid delivery routes to gather and transmit sensitive military information about Ukrainian defense positions to an identified Russian intelligence officer.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reports to have detained a 34-year-old volunteer for the UN World Food Programme in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast on suspicion of gathering intelligence for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian agents have been particularly active, with their operations including espionage, sabotage, and assassination attempts against key Ukrainian officials. The recruitment of agents by the FSB often involves individuals who may be motivated by personal ambitions or ideological alignment with Russian interests. Others may be coerced or incentivized through financial means or promises of protection.
The suspect used his humanitarian aid delivery routes to gather intelligence about Ukrainian infantry and artillery positions near Pokrovsk, an area where Russian forces advance intensely.
He then transmitted the gathered data via messenger to his Russian handler, who has been identified as an FSB officer, according to SBU.
Russian forces reportedly used this intelligence to plan attacks on Pokrovsk using guided aerial bombs and FPV drones.
During the arrest, investigators seized a mobile phone containing evidence of communications with the alleged FSB handler through an anonymous chat.
The suspect has been charged with state treason under martial law, which carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment and property confiscation.
The investigation was conducted by SBU officers in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts under the supervision of the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor’s Office.
The World Food Programme has not yet commented on the arrest of their volunteer.
In August, SBU neutralized a large-scale Russian FSB spy network operating in six regions, who were involved in aiding missile and drone strikes. They also face possible life imprisonment.
Related:
- Nine suspected Russian agents arrested in Ukraine for aiding missile strikes
- SBU arrests Russian agent caught preparing terrorist attacks in Zaporizhzhia
- Ukraine detains Russian agent planning series of strikes on Sumy Oblast
- WSJ: Wirecard fraudster CEO was Russian agent for nearly a decade
