Ukraine’s counterintelligence service (the Security Service of Ukraine) detained a Russian spotter who had been guiding a large-scale strike on Kharkiv on April 2 this year. The suspect was reportedly directing Russian “Geran-3” type jet-powered kamikaze drones toward the city in real time.
SSU officers detained the woman “in the act” in a city park while she was livestreaming the second wave of drone strikes on residential areas of the regional center.
A smartphone with remote access for Russian intelligence services was seized from her at the scene. According to the investigation, Russian forces used the device to guide “Geran” drones toward apartment buildings in Kharkiv.
The investigation found that the local resident had been recruited by Russian forces after posting pro-Russian comments in Telegram channels. Acting on instructions from her handler in Russia, the agent went to document the aftermath of the night attack on the city.
On the same day, she received a new task: to film Russian drone flights during daytime strikes on Kharkiv. In this way, Russian forces attempted to assess the effectiveness of their drones and identify Ukrainian air defense positions.
It was established that the agent was given approximate directions of the airstrikes by her handler so she could arrive in advance and record the attacks online.
The Security Service of Ukraine notified the detainee of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).
She is currently in custody without bail and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
