A man from the United Kingdom has been apprehended in Ukraine on suspicions of engaging in espionage activities for Russia and orchestrating plans for terrorist assaults. According to Kyiv prosecutors, the individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared classified data with Russian intelligence while serving as a military trainer. Allegedly, he gathered information concerning Odesa facilities, attempted to access military installations, and deliberated on the utilization of explosive devices. Prosecutors state that he received a payment of £5,148 for one assignment.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that the man was making preparations to carry out terrorist acts. The SBU asserted that instructions on constructing an improvised explosive device were sent to him by Russian operatives, along with details of a weapons cache, from which he purportedly took a pistol and two loaded magazines.
Reportedly, the individual arrived in Ukraine in January 2024 and conducted training sessions for military personnel in Mykolaiv before relocating to Odesa in September. Prosecutors allege that during his time in Odesa, he maintained contact with a member of the Russian special service and agreed to sell military intelligence.
Evidence suggests that in May, he shared the locations of Ukrainian military units, images of training sites, and personal information of military staff with prosecutors. The SBU also mentioned that he possessed expertise in fire and tactical training and openly offered espionage services on pro-Kremlin online platforms.
The man was arrested at his temporary residence in Kyiv and appeared in court, where he was remanded in custody pending a pre-trial inquiry. Ukrainian authorities indicated that he could face a maximum of 12 years in prison.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed awareness of the situation and stated ongoing communication with Ukrainian officials.
This incident marks the first publicized case of a British national facing espionage allegations in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, three men aged 44, 45, and 48 were recently arrested in London on suspicion of aiding Russia’s intelligence service. The Metropolitan Police reported that Counter Terrorism Policing detained the individuals in west and central London and they are currently held in police custody under the National Security Act. Commander Dominic Murphy of Counter Terrorism Policing London emphasized the authorities’ commitment to thwarting foreign intelligence recruitment efforts, warning of severe consequences for those involved in such unlawful activities.
