The SBU’s military counter-intelligence unit has neutralised a 14-strong GRU spy ring which, according to the service, was gathering intelligence for missile strikes on Ukrainian Armed Forces airbases. The operation was coordinated by the head of the SBU, Oleksandr Poklad. Three suspects have been served with notices of suspicion, and the pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
Briefly about the main points
- The GRU network comprised 14 people from various regions of Ukraine.
- The agents gathered information about airfields, aircraft and flight activity.
- The SBU identified the organiser as the administrator of an aviation Telegram channel based in Lviv.
- The service has blocked four channels and 10 thematic groups.
What information was collected for the Russian supervisor?
According to the investigation, members of the network photographed Ukrainian airfields, F-16 fighter jets and Mirage 2000, as well as flight crews and technical staff. They gathered information on aircraft take-offs and landings and passed it on to their Russian supervisor.
The SBU believes that this information was gathered in preparation for a missile strike on Ukrainian Armed Forces air bases. Details regarding the operations, personnel and activities of military installations could help the enemy build up an intelligence picture for planning attacks.
The organiser engaged followers of an aviation channel
According to the SBU, the network was organised by a man from Lviv — the administrator of a Telegram channel about aviation. He recruited 13 of his subscribers who lived near the Defence Forces’ aviation infrastructure.
During the operation, the SBU blocked four Telegram channels and 10 thematic groups where information about the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ air units was being disseminated. Investigators have served notices of suspicion on three individuals; proceedings in the case are ongoing.
Where to report suspicious offers
The SBU has urged the public to report immediately to the service any suspicious messages or proposals from strangers, particularly attempts to recruit people to carry out surveillance or to pass on sensitive information. Unpublished information regarding the location, operations or personnel of military facilities should not be disclosed.
- The «Burn the FSB Agent» chatbot — t.me/spaly_fsb_bot
- The hotline number is 1516
- email — callcenter@ssu.gov.ua
