UKRAINE, KHARKIV, Apr 01 — SBU cyber specialists have detained a woman suspected of directing Russian missiles and drone strikes on Kharkiv, reported SBU spokesman Vladyslav Abdula.

According to the investigation, an employee of a local kindergarten helped the Russians to hit the base points of the Defense Forces in the regional center.

Law enforcement officers discovered that the suspect received geolocations of potential targets from Russians and then conducted additional reconnaissance there. Usually, the woman monitored places where the Ukrainian military is located, trying to establish the approximate number of personnel and military equipment there.

“The agent then sent the information via messenger to her Russian supervisor in the form of text messages with coordinates on Google Maps. Based on the agent’s “report”, the occupiers were preparing airstrikes on the city, using missile weapons and Shahed-type kamikaze drones,” the SBU spokesman said.

The SBU exposed the woman at the initial stage of her intelligence activity. Also, comprehensive measures were taken to secure the Kharkiv soldiers’ base points.

Messages from the suspect's phone / Photo: facebook.com/VladislavAbdula
Messages from the suspect’s phone / Photo: facebook.com/VladislavAbdula
Messages from the suspect’s phone. / Photo: facebook.com/VladislavAbdula
Messages from the suspect's phone / Photo: facebook.com/VladislavAbdula
Messages from the suspect’s phone / Photo: facebook.com/VladislavAbdula

The SBU detained the suspect in her own home. The investigation established that the woman was remotely recruited by Russian intelligence in the fall of 2023. She came to the attention of the Russians through her acquaintance from the city of Kupiansk, who fled to Russia during the capture of the district center and joined the Russian army forces.

The SBU specialists seized a cell phone used to communicate with the Russians during the searches in the detainee’s home.

Based on the evidence collected, the SBU investigators served the woman a notice 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. She faces life imprisonment and confiscation of property.

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