On 30/7, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced its counterintelligence unit had uncovered "another Russian agent" within the military.
"The spy is a flight instructor with the rank of major, serving in an air force brigade. This unit carries out combat missions such as intercepting missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and attacking ground targets to support Ukrainian forces," the SBU stated.
The SBU said the suspect was performing several tasks for Russia, including providing information to help Moscow plan attacks on Ukrainian air bases with missiles and UAVs.
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The suspect (center) in a photo released on 30/7. Photo: SBU |
The suspect (center) in a photo released on 30/7. Photo: SBU
"Specifically, the enemy's priority targets were airfields housing F-16s, Mirage-2000s, and Su-24s. The spy collected location coordinates, flight schedules, and takeoff sequences for these aircraft," the statement said.
The SBU stated the suspect also compiled analytical reports for Russia, suggesting coordinated attack tactics needed to overcome Ukraine's air defenses. The suspect also relayed personal information of Ukrainian pilots, aircraft tail numbers, accompanying weapons, and Kyiv's air combat tactics to Russian intelligence.
To avoid detection, the suspect communicated with a Russian intelligence officer through anonymous emails and secret chat modes on a messaging app. The suspect was apprehended while attempting to gather further information and will be prosecuted for treason.
Russian officials have not commented on the information.
Ukraine's military airfields, especially bases housing foreign-made fighters like the F-16 or Mirage-2000, are among Russia's top targets.
On the morning of 28/7, Moscow launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian territory, mainly targeting the western city of Starokostiantyniv, home to the Starokostiantyniv air base. This is where the Su-24 attack aircraft squadron equipped with Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles is stationed, and the main base for F-16 fighter jets.
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Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets during a demonstration in August 2024. Photo: AP |
Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets during a demonstration in August 2024. Photo: AP
Ukraine recently commissioned a mobile maintenance and operation system for F-16 fighter jets, enabling the dispersion of aircraft and reducing the risk of Russian strikes.
Since the conflict between the two countries began in early 2022, Ukraine has claimed to have arrested or convicted hundreds of people, including high-ranking officials and security personnel, for allegedly aiding or collaborating with Moscow.
Earlier this month, the SBU announced the arrest of a Ukrainian air force major suspected of spying for Russia. The individual's main task was allegedly to collect information on the coordinates of airfields, logistics centers, and maintenance facilities for Ukrainian air force fighter jets, then provide this information to Russia for targeting.
Pham Giang (According to Ukrainska Pravda, Kyiv Independent)
