N. Korean troops may deploy to Ukraine-Russia front ‘sooner than expected’: Yoon
Korea HeraldOCT 22 2024
Ukraine Arrests UN 'Volunteer' Suspected of Spying for Russia
Above: A 34-year-old man arrested by the Security Service of Ukraine on suspicion of spying for Russia. Image copyright: Security Service of Ukraine
The Facts
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has said it has arrested a 34-year-old man it claimed was spying for Russia while volunteering for the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) in Ukraine.
According to the SSU, the suspect used aid delivery routes to gather intelligence about Ukrainian infantry and artillery positions near the Donetsk city of Pokrovsk before communicating his findings to Russian intelligence.
The Ukrainian agency added that the individual's mobile phone — seized during his arrest — revealed evidence of communication with his handler, adding that he has since been charged with treason under martial law, which carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment and property confiscation.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Since the beginning of the war, Russian intelligence has been actively recruiting agents for the purposes of sabotage and surveillance. This is just the latest demonstration of these efforts.
Narrative B
The suspect in this case was not directly employed by the WFP, but worked with a contractor of the organization. The WFP is assisting Ukraine with its enquiries, and news agencies should avoid fueling speculation over this case until the facts have been clearly established.