SBU Busts 14-Member Russian Spy Ring Targeting Ukraine’s F-16, Mirage 2000 Bases

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has dismantled a 14-member Russian intelligence network that was gathering information on Ukrainian airfields hosting Western-supplied F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, the agency said Thursday. The network was allegedly working for Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, and collected information that could help Moscow plan strikes on Ukrainian air bases.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Blogger recruited 13 spotters According to the SBU, the GRU first recruited a Lviv resident who ran an aviation-focused Telegram channel. Russian intelligence reportedly noticed him after he posted photographs of Ukrainian military aircraft in pro-Kremlin online groups. The man then recruited 13 of his subscribers, allegedly without telling them they were working for Russian intelligence. The group members lived in different parts of Ukraine, including near military aviation infrastructure, and had access to high-quality cameras. They were instructed to photograph airfields, fighter jets, aircraft crews and maintenance personnel, while also tracking takeoff and landing times. The suspects reportedly used professional cameras while hiding in abandoned buildings or open areas near air bases. Spy network tracked aircraft movements The photographs were uploaded to an online storage service and later passed to a Russian handler, whose identity has been established by the SBU. The Lviv-based agent also allegedly provided Russia with schedules for military helicopter takeoffs and landings. The information reportedly came from a Ukrainian Armed Forces aviation squadron commander who voluntarily shared it with the agent. Other Topics of Interest SBU Says Russia Using 'Honey Traps' to Assassinate Ukrainian Soldiers The SBU has foiled more than 50 such assassination attempts since the start of 2026. During searches, investigators found smartphones, digital cameras and photographs of Ukrainian military aviation facilities that allegedly documented the suspects’ activities. The SBU also blocked four Telegram channels and 10 groups allegedly used to distribute photographs and other information about Ukrainian aviation units. The Lviv agent, his accomplice and the Ukrainian serviceman have been charged with crimes against Ukraine’s national security. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify and prosecute the remaining participants. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.