A major espionage network operated by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation specialized in tracking the locations of F-16 fighter jets and Ukrainian air defenses was dismantled by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), according to an SBU report on December 17.
Military counterintelligence uncovered 12 Russian agents and informants spying across 5 Ukrainian regions. Some members of the network were deserters from Ukraine’s Armed Forces who were recruited by Russian intelligence while hiding from military service.
The group operated separately under the coordination of a handler based in the Dnipropetrovsk region. To conceal his identity, the leader used forged documents, such as fake volunteer and anti-corruption activist credentials.
The handler recruited accomplices from Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions. These agents focused on gathering intelligence about Ukrainian air defense positions and identifying secret military airfields where Russia suspected F-16 fighter jets might be stationed.
Additionally, the spies were tasked with locating Ukrainian companies involved in developing electronic warfare systems used to counter Russian drones.
To collect information, the agents often exploited their acquaintances, including Ukrainian soldiers stationed in frontline regions. Upon receiving preliminary intelligence, agents conducted further reconnaissance near potential targets.
The agents reported findings to their handler, who then passed the data to his Russian coordinator.
The SBU’s military counterintelligence successfully exposed the entire spy network, arrested the organizer, and charged key accomplices.
The suspects face prison sentences ranging from 8 years to life imprisonment with asset confiscation.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin awarded the Order of Courage to Anna and Artem Dultsev, who were convicted of espionage in Slovenia and returned to Russia as part of a prisoner exchange.
