Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced on Monday the arrest of a man accused of spying for Russia while posing as a U.N. humanitarian volunteer in Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian-held city in the Donetsk region.
Disguised as Volunteer
The alleged spy, identified as a 34-year-old operative for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), reportedly entered Pokrovsk claiming to work with the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP).
According to Digi24, he used this cover to covertly gather intelligence on Ukrainian military positions in a region that has been heavily targeted by Russian forces.
Disguised as a volunteer, the suspect allegedly collected detailed information on Ukrainian infantry and artillery locations in Pokrovsk.
SBU officials say he then shared this intelligence with Russian forces, which enabled them to plan further attacks on Ukrainian defense targets.
The SBU’s statement emphasizes that Pokrovsk has experienced a high concentration of Russian strikes, and the information the suspect provided directly aided in those efforts.
Not a Direct Employee
The suspect has been charged with high treason under Ukraine’s martial law, a serious offense that could lead to a life sentence and the confiscation of his assets.
The World Food Program has clarified that while the individual was not a direct employee, he had worked with a WFP partner organization under a contract until August 2024.
In a statement, WFP confirmed it is cooperating with Ukrainian authorities and fully supports the ongoing investigation.
This incident follows recent strains in Ukraine-U.N. relations, especially after U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres was photographed last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at a summit.
The photo sparked criticism from Ukrainian officials, given the ongoing conflict and Russia’s active invasion of Ukrainian territory.
