SBU Detains 2 Alleged FSB Agents Preparing Strike on Kyiv Region

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it has detained two individuals in the Kyiv region suspected of acting as agents for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) and preparing coordinates for a potential strike on the capital region.

In a statement published Thursday, Feb. 12, the SBU said the suspects had collected and transmitted geolocation data of Ukrainian military units, including aviation bases, to Russian handlers.

According to the investigation, two local residents were recruited after seeking money through Telegram groups. The SBU said the suspects traveled across the region by public transport, photographing military facilities and restricted sites using smartphones. They allegedly filmed perimeters of potential targets from a distance or while pretending to be on phone calls, before sending the collected data via messenger to FSB contacts.

The SBU said it documented the suspects’ activities before detaining them and took measures to secure locations that had been under surveillance.

During searches, investigators reportedly seized mobile phones containing evidence of communication with Russian intelligence.

The suspects were formally charged under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code – high treason committed by a group of persons under martial law. Under Ukrainian law, treason carries the harshest penalty during wartime.

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