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SBU detains 3 alleged Russian spies operating in Kharkiv, Zhytomyr oblasts

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SBU detains 3 alleged Russian spies operating in Kharkiv, Zhytomyr oblasts
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had detained three people, including one Russian citizen, suspected of working for the Russian military intelligence (GRU), Oct. 4, 2023. (Source: SBU)

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had detained three people, including one Russian citizen, suspected of working for the Russian military intelligence (GRU), SBU announced on Oct. 4.

At the instruction of their Russian handlers, the suspects allegedly collected information on Ukraine's Armed Forces and the consequences of Russian strikes in Kharkiv and Zhytomyr oblasts.

GRU was collecting this information in preparation for subsequent strikes, the SBU said.

According to the report, the suspects were local residents recruited by Russian intelligence before the start of the full-scale war.

The alleged spies are now in custody and face life in prison.

Northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, lying at the Ukrainian-Russian border, is a regular target of Russian strikes.

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Martin Fornusek

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Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

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