Ukraine busts largest Russian spy network targeting F‑16s
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported uncovering the "largest network of Russian agents" operating in the north and south of the country. Twelve spies have been detained. They were particularly interested in the F-16 jets delivered to Ukraine, the features and capabilities we remind you of here.
The SBU released information about the detention of Russian spies via its profile on Telegram. It was discovered that the agents provided Russian services with detailed data regarding Ukrainian air defence and the locations of secret airfields hosting F-16 aircraft. The espionage activities spanned five Ukrainian regions.
Ukrainians detained Russian spies
According to information disclosed 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. It is also known that the agents operated independently, with their leader located in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
F-16 jets are among the most valuable weapons acquired by Ukraine as part of Western support. The F-16 jets sent to the front are modified variants of the F-16A/B MLU (Mid-Life Update), meaning they are equipped with improved radars and, crucially, adapted to work with a broader range of armaments, including AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with a range of approximately 100 kilometres.
Ukrainian pilots speak very favourably of these machines, appreciating their advantages over older post-Soviet jets. During one of the significant assaults on Ukraine that Russia carried out in early December this year, F-16s were involved in the defence. Ukrainian command reported that these fighters, supplied by the West, managed to shoot down 11 cruise missiles.
Russian spies face severe penalties
The portal Gazeta.ua reports that counterintelligence efforts led to the arrest of the organiser of the spy group and his main accomplices. Mobile phones, various data carriers, military documents, and forged identity documents were secured during searches.
Individuals involved in espionage activities in Ukraine currently face the prospect of severe sentences - ranging from eight years of imprisonment to life, including the possibility of property confiscation.
