Ukraine Arrests European Ex-Military Instructor on Russian Espionage Charges

The detained individual is facing a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years.

Ukrainian authorities announced Wednesday that their security services have apprehended a former military instructor from a European nation, alleging that the individual was conducting espionage activities on behalf of Russia targeting the Ukrainian military.

"Based on the case evidence, this foreign national provided enemy forces with classified information regarding Ukraine's Defence Forces and was in the process of preparing terrorist acts," stated the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in their official release.

The statement did not disclose specific details about the suspect's identity but indicated that the individual had transmitted to Moscow information concerning other foreign military trainers operating in Ukraine along with the geographic coordinates of military training facilities.

According to the SBU, the Russian FSB security services provided the suspect with instructions for constructing explosive devices and supplied the individual with a firearm and ammunition. The suspect was taken into custody at their residence in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.

The SBU reported that the suspect entered Ukraine in early 2024 and initiated collaboration with Moscow several months thereafter. The charges could result in imprisonment for up to 12 years, the security service added.

Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities regularly report the detention of individuals accused of supporting the opposing side's war efforts, though announcements involving the arrest of foreign nationals are uncommon.