Russian-led priest caught spying in Kharkiv – SBU
Source: Security Service of Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Monday they have detained a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church after he was found tracking the movements of Ukrainian troops in Kharkiv.
According to the SBU, the suspect tried to gather information on the army personnel numbers and weapons stationed at military checkpoints near Kharkiv. He also spied on the movement of Ukrainian military equipment, sending this information to Russian handlers via encrypted messaging apps.
The 43-year-old native of Melitopol was recruited by Russian intelligence in October 2024. After he spent some time in Russia (2009-2018), he moved to Kharkiv where he found a job as an IT specialist of the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox church and later went on to become the rector of a local church.
During searches, law enforcement found a mobile phone containing evidence of his collaboration with Russian forces, as well as stack of cash in Russian currency, and Kremlin-issued awards.
He is in custody and faces up to eight years in prison if convicted on espionage charges.
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