Suspected FSB agent posing as UN volunteer detained for spying on Ukrainian positions

The SBU press center reported this incident.

The suspect, identified as a 34-year-old local volunteer for the UN World Food Program, was allegedly recruited by occupying Russian forces. Disguised as a humanitarian worker, he reportedly gathered intelligence on the Ukrainian Defense Forces positions around Pokrovsk.

Investigators say his mission was to locate Ukrainian infantry and artillery positions defending the area. He allegedly traveled through Pokrovsk and nearby settlements under the pretense of delivering aid to local residents, using this cover to gather coordinates.

The man is accused of sending this data through a messaging app to his Russian handler, a confirmed FSB officer, whose identity has already been traced by SBU counterintelligence.

According to the SBU, Russian troops used his intelligence to plan strikes on Pokrovsk using guided bombs and FPV drones. SBU counterintelligence intercepted the agent in the early stages of his operation and detained him.

During searches, authorities seized a mobile phone containing an anonymous chat on a messaging app, allegedly used for communication with the FSB officer.

The suspect has now been formally charged with treason committed under martial law, facing a potential life sentence with confiscation of property.

Note: As per Article 62 of Ukraine’s Constitution, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

• Russia reported that Moscow's forces extracted a U.S. citizen from eastern Ukraine, claiming he had been secretly assisting them with intelligence.