Ukrainian Special Operations Officer Arrested for Leaking Intelligence to Russia: Significance Amid Wartime

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
15/11/2024 23h10

**Ukrainian Officer Arrested for Leaking Special Ops Plans to Russia**

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has apprehended an officer of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF) who allegedly served as an agent for Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). This individual is accused of leaking sensitive information regarding Ukrainian military plans to Moscow, a charge that could lead to a life sentence for high treason, especially significant due to its commission during wartime.

According to SBU reports, the detained officer, a lieutenant colonel and commander within the SOF, was recruited by Russian intelligence prior to Russia's large-scale invasion. In the spring of 2024, a GRU officer activated this agent, directing him to provide intelligence about Ukrainian combat operations behind enemy lines.

The leaked information was reportedly focused on Ukrainian special forces' activities beyond the front lines in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea regions. The officer allegedly misused his position to gather classified data on troop movements, weaponry, and planned attack targets, which he then transmitted to Russian handlers.

The SBU's press service highlighted that the Russian side aimed to use this intelligence to thwart Ukrainian special forces, either on the battlefield or in the Russian-controlled southern territories of Ukraine. Additionally, details about other Defense Forces units were also compromised.

Military counterintelligence officials from the SBU meticulously documented the suspect's actions, leading to his detention. The investigation revealed that the officer had clandestine communication tools and data storage devices in his possession.

The accused faces charges under Part 2, Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. His prosecution is being supported by high-ranking Ukrainian officials, including Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky and Special Operations Forces Commander Oleksandr Trepak.

As the investigation continues, additional security measures have been instituted to protect Ukrainian positions from further leaks and to mitigate any potential damage caused by the compromised intelligence.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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