Ukraine busts massive Russian spy network eyeing F‑16 jets
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that it had uncovered the "largest network of Russian agents" operating in both the north and south of the country. Twelve spies have been detained, and they were particularly interested in the F-16 jets delivered to Ukraine, focusing on their features and capabilities.
11:50 AM EST, December 17, 2024
The SBU shared information about the arrest of Russian spies via its profile on Telegram. It was revealed that the agents provided Russian services with detailed data regarding Ukrainian air defense and the locations of secret airfields hosting F-16 aircraft. The espionage activities spanned across five Ukrainian regions.
Ukrainians apprehend Russian spies
According to details released by the SBU, some of the detained agents were former soldiers who deserted from the Ukrainian army and were recruited by Russian services while evading Ukrainian authorities. Notably, the agents operated individually, with their leader situated in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
F-16 jets are among the most valuable weapons Ukraine has received as part of Western support. The F-16 jets deployed to the front are modified variants of the F-16A/B MLU (Mid-Life Update), which are aircraft equipped with improved radars and, most importantly, adapted to work with a wider range of armaments, including AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with a range of about 60 miles.
Ukrainian pilots speak highly of these aircraft, appreciating their advantages over older post-Soviet jets. During one of the significant assaults on Ukraine that Russia carried out at the beginning of December this year, F-16s played a crucial role in the defense. The Ukrainian command reported that these fighters delivered from the West managed to shoot down 11 cruise missiles.
Russian spies face severe penalties
The portal Gazeta.ua reports that the counterintelligence operations led to the capture of the organizer of the spy group and his main accomplices. Mobile phones, various data carriers, military documents, and forged identity documents were seized during the searches.
Individuals involved in espionage activities in Ukraine now face serious sentences, ranging from eight years of imprisonment to life, with the possibility of property confiscation.
