Australia charges dual citizen accused of spying for Russia in Ukraine

The Russian-Australian man who enlisted in Ukraine’s military has been accused of sharing unit locations and troop data with Moscow

The 27-year-old Russian-Australian citizen underwent “military-style” training in Russia and later joined the Ukrainian armed forces, Australian federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett told a news conference.

Police allege he travelled to Russia for the training in October 2024, before returning to Australia, where he “maintained contact” with individuals he believed were linked to Moscow’s intelligence services.

Barrett said he then “provided, or attempted to provide, information obtained in Ukraine to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services”.

“It is alleged this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel,” she said.