Major Arrest in Ukraine's Security Service: High-Level Official Alleged as Russian Spy

The Security Service of Ukraine has detained a key member of its anti-terrorism division on espionage charges, marking a critical step in the ongoing efforts to root out Russian operatives within the country.

A senior officer within Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has been arrested on suspicion of espionage for Russia. Although the SBU has not publicly disclosed the name of the individual, local Ukrainian media reports identify him as Colonel Dmytro Kozyura, previously serving as the chief of staff of the agency’s anti-terrorism center.

Footage released by Ukrainian media shows Kozyura in handcuffs, being taken into custody by the SBU's head, Vasyl Malyuk, who personally oversaw the investigation. The SBU documented at least 14 instances where Kozyura allegedly gathered and passed classified information to Russian operatives.

Malyuk emphasized that the investigation employed advanced techniques, including audio and video surveillance, and intercepted communications over mobile devices and computers. This thorough approach has become increasingly critical since the escalation of hostilities following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as Ukrainian authorities actively pursue suspects within their ranks.

According to the SBU, Kozyura was recruited by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in Vienna back in 2018 but was inactive until his handlers resumed contact with him in December. Malyuk explained the depth of the investigation during a video statement, revealing that the SBU had been using strategic disinformation tactics against Moscow throughout the operation.

Malyuk reassured the public by stating that the SBU remains vigilant against foreign espionage attempts, asserting that their internal cleansing process is ongoing, and expressing confidence in their ability to detect and apprehend any infiltrators.