Ukraine’s Security Service thwarts Russian intelligence plans to seize power in Ochakiv

The SBU reported the information on Telegram.

"As a result of a large-scale special operation in Ochakiv, an agent of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (better known as the GRU), who was collecting intelligence to capture the Ukrainian city, was detained," the statement said.

According to the investigation, Russian military intelligence worked out a task for him to persuade the city authorities to cooperate with the occupying forces.

In return, the mayor was offered to "choose a position" in the event of the capture of the southern region. However, he showed a patriotic stance, informed the SBU about the recruitment attempts and helped to expose Russia’s plans.

"It was established that the GRU agent was a former commander of one of the special operations centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Later he got a job in the Ochakiv City Council," the statement said.

After the full-scale invasion, Russian military intelligence established contact with the official to conduct reconnaissance and subversive activities against Ukraine. It was established that he was constantly in contact with an employee of the GRU, Serhiy Oleksandrovych Kolesnikov, born on 31.07.1971, a native of Ukraine.

It is noted that on his instructions, the official covertly collected information. In particular, where the units of the Defense Forces involved in the defense of coastal areas are based and how they move. To do this, he tried to use his connections among former military and current officials.

He also formed his own extensive network of informants to collect and transmit intelligence in favor of Russia 

"During the searches at the enemy agent's place of residence, SBU officers found a "secret" phone that he used for secret correspondence with the occupiers. In addition, thermal imagers and unregistered weapons with ammunition were seized," the SBU said.

SBU investigators have served the suspect a notice of suspicion under Part 2 Art. 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).