In a disturbing new case from the Donetsk region, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has caught a man accused of spying for Russia. He wasn’t an ordinary criminal. He was an IT specialist living in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka. What makes this case even more shocking is how he got involved in espionage.
According to the SSU, Russian military intelligence reached out to him through one of the banned social media platforms. On this platform, he was approached by someone claiming to represent the Russian military. But instead of making a direct offer to spy, they tried something unusual and disturbing — they promised him a “close relationship” in return for helping them collect military secrets.
This so-called “relationship” was used as bait. The Russian side convinced the man to provide key information in exchange for personal and emotional involvement. This approach reveals a darker, more manipulative side to how enemy agents are trying to recruit Ukrainians — not just with money or threats, but with false promises of trust, attention, and closeness.
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Spy Mission Hidden in Plain Sight
After being recruited, the man was given a serious task. He was asked to find and send the exact coordinates of certain Ukrainian military locations. These included fortified defense areas and backup command posts around Kostiantynivka — places that are extremely important for Ukraine’s defense.
To do this, the informant did not use any high-tech spying tools. Instead, he simply walked around the town and nearby areas, quietly collecting the information himself. He blended in with other locals, pretending to go about his day, while secretly scouting military spots.
The Russian military had a clear plan for what they would do with this information. Once they received the coordinates, they were ready to launch another wave of airstrikes on the town using guided aerial bombs. These bombs are powerful weapons that can cause massive damage and loss of life, especially if they hit areas where soldiers or equipment are located.
Thankfully, the SSU caught the man before he could complete his mission. They stopped him at the early stage of his activities, just as he started collecting the data. Because of this quick action, they were able to protect the Ukrainian Defense Forces and prevent a potential attack on Kostiantynivka.
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Arrest and Serious Charges
After detaining the suspect, SSU investigators acted quickly. They gathered evidence and presented him with official charges. The man is now being charged under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This means he is accused of high treason, a very serious crime, especially during a time of war.
Since Ukraine is currently under martial law, the charges are even more severe. The man will not be released on bail, and if found guilty, he faces life in prison. His property could also be taken away by the state as part of the punishment.
The SSU has also taken steps to protect the military locations that were being targeted. They are making sure that no further information about these places can fall into the hands of the enemy.
This case comes shortly after another troubling incident, where a driver from an assault regiment was caught helping direct Russian strikes on his own unit’s positions. These events show that while the physical war continues on the frontlines, there’s also a hidden war of secrets, spying, and betrayal happening within.
For Ukrainians, these stories are a harsh reminder to stay alert and not to trust suspicious offers — even those disguised as emotional or friendly gestures. The safety of towns like Kostiantynivka depends not only on soldiers but also on the strength and loyalty of every person within.
