Russian authorities have detained a Ukrainian national on charges of spying in the Luhansk region, according to TASS. The Federal Security Service (FSB) claims the individual was passing information about Russian troops and the region’s socio-economic status to the Ukrainian Security Service (SSU).
The FSB has accused the suspect of gathering and sharing sensitive data that could jeopardize Russian military operations, though no details about the individual have been released.
Evgeniy Maloletka/AP
According to security expert Mark Galeotti, espionage tactics in play range from traditional human intelligence and agent recruitment to advanced electronic surveillance techniques. He noted that both Russia and Ukraine are ramping up their intelligence gathering as the conflict intensifies.
“Information is vital, especially nowadays,” Galeotti explained. “With precision weaponry, if you can see it, you can strike it. Intelligence is essential for visibility into otherwise hidden threats.”
Earlier this year, the SSU also apprehended a police officer for alleged collaboration with Russian forces and dismantled a spy network in the Mykolaiv region.
Moreover, in Donetsk Oblast, another suspected Russian spy was captured for reportedly gathering intel on Ukrainian military activities.
In light of the ongoing conflict, President Zelensky has emphasized the challenging conditions on the front lines, stating, “The situation is very, very difficult” during a recent video address. As winter approaches, Russia is stepping up military recruitment efforts, planning to enlist 133,000 new servicemen through an autumn draft campaign.