According to the SBU, the suspect had previously been convicted of drug-related offenses.
The investigation found that he was tasked by Russian intelligence with helping guide ballistic missiles and attack drones toward logistics hubs and warehouses in the Kyiv region.
He also gathered intelligence on the locations of Ukraine's Defense Forces, including checkpoints and drone unit bases.
To identify potential targets, the suspect walked around the city with GPS navigation enabled on his smartphone, allowing Russian handlers to monitor his movements in real time.
When he found facilities he believed to be part of Ukraine's logistics or defense infrastructure, he photographed and filmed them and marked their coordinates on Google Maps.
He also documented the aftermath of previous Russian strikes on Kyiv and compiled the collected information into reports for his Russian handler.
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SBU officers detained the suspect at an acquaintance's apartment after he returned from another reconnaissance mission.
According to the investigation, he was recruited by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) through Telegram channels advertising easy money.
During a search, investigators seized his smartphone, which contained evidence of collaboration with Russia.
The SBU charged the suspect under Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (high treason committed under martial law), an offense punishable by life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The Prosecutor General's Office identified the suspect as an 18-year-old resident of the Kyiv region.
According to prosecutors, he established contact with a Russian operative via Telegram and agreed to collect and transmit information about sites of interest to Russia in exchange for payment.
His first assignment was to photograph one of Kyiv's district military enlistment offices and document the surrounding area. Prosecutors said he received $20 in cryptocurrency for completing the task.
The Russian handler later instructed him to gather intelligence on a Kyiv enterprise where drones were reportedly stored, including details about its operations, location, and internal infrastructure.
The suspect was instructed to submit all materials together with precise coordinates and timestamps.
According to investigators, Russia intended to use the information to prepare strikes on Kyiv.
The suspect has been taken into custody without the right to post bail.
Under Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, the charge carries a sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment, with confiscation of property.
First photo: SBU