Australia charges Russian-Australian man over alleged attempt to pass Ukrainian military information to Russia
Australian authorities have charged a Russian-Australian man with foreign interference, alleging that he joined Ukraine’s military and sought to pass sensitive information about Ukrainian forces to people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence.
The 27-year-old man traveled to Russia in October 2024, where he underwent “military-style” training before returning to Australia, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.
Police allege that after returning to Australia, he maintained contact with individuals he believed were linked to Russian intelligence services.
In 2025, the man traveled to Ukraine and enlisted in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. There, he allegedly gained access to information about Ukrainian military personnel, units and their locations.
He later “provided, or attempted to provide” information obtained in Ukraine to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services, Barrett said.
“It is alleged this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel,” she said.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, or ASIO. Authorities said there was no indication that the man had received military training in Australia.
The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, faces a charge of intentional foreign interference, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Police said further arrests in connection with the investigation were possible.
The case marks the eighth time an individual has been charged in Australia with offenses related to espionage or foreign interference.
Australia’s intelligence chief Mike Burgess last year described Russia as an “aggressive espionage threat.” In 2024, Australian authorities charged a Russian-born married couple with spying for Moscow, alleging they had accessed national security-related material from the Australian military.