Ukrainian Special Forces officer detained for alleged treason as Russian "mole"

The SBU press service reported the information.

According to the SBU, the "mole" working for Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) provided Russia with plans for the Ukrainian Defense Forces' special operations behind enemy lines.

Investigators revealed that the Russian intelligence service recruited the military officer through acquaintances in Russia with whom he maintained contact. In spring 2024, a GRU officer remotely "activated" him, assigning the task of passing along details of combat operations planned by Ukrainian Defense Forces in Russian-occupied territories. Specifically, Russian intelligence was interested in information on reconnaissance and sabotage raids conducted by Ukrainian special forces behind the frontlines in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea sectors.

To carry out his mission, the lieutenant colonel used his official position to gather and relay critical information about the planned movement routes of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, their weaponry, and objectives. He also provided his Russian handler with details about other Ukrainian Defense units.

Russian troops intended to use this intelligence to target and eliminate Ukrainian special forces either on the frontline or behind enemy lines in temporarily occupied southern Ukraine.

As a result of a special operation, Ukraine's military counterintelligence service (SBU) gradually documented the crimes of the Russian agent and arrested him. At the same time, comprehensive measures were taken to secure the locations of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

During searches of the detainee, communication devices, computer equipment, mobile phones, and data storage devices were seized.

The SBU investigators informed him of the suspicion under part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed during martial law). The man remains in custody and faces a life sentence with property confiscation.

Special Operations Forces command confirms arrest

The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the information in an official statement.

"The Special Operations Forces Command was aware of the investigation and fully supported the process," the statement said.

The Command of the Special Operations Forces emphasized that they "continue to carry out tasks, destroy Russian troops, and liberate Ukrainian land from the Russian occupiers. And all those who think they can interfere with this and endanger the lives of our soldiers will be exposed and sent to prison."

Note: according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered innocent of committing a crime and cannot be criminally punished until their guilt is proven lawfully and established by a guilty verdict of the court.