Ukraine's SBU foils FSB plot to strike F-16 airbases, detains spies
Military counterintelligence has uncovered and thwarted an FSB operation aimed at targeting Ukrainian airbases housing F-16 fighter jets, detaining two individuals involved in the plot, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported.
The suspects, aged 21 and 22 and residents of Kremenchuk, were caught photographing the takeoff of a Ukrainian F-16 near a military airfield.
According to the SBU, they were part of an FSB agent network tasked with gathering precise coordinates of Ukraine’s primary and reserve airfields and aviation infrastructure to enable Russian missile and drone strikes.
The duo was recruited by an FSB officer, whose identity has also been established.
Their mission included compiling detailed reports with text descriptions and photos of military equipment at each location.
Investigators revealed that the suspects planned to travel across five Ukrainian regions using public transport, renting accommodations near potential targets to conduct surveillance over several days.
The SBU intercepted the operation at an early stage and implemented comprehensive measures to secure defense locations.
Legal consequences
The detainees have been charged under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which pertain to state treason committed by a group during wartime.
They are in custody without bail and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
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