Spyed on the military using a drone: collaborator convicted in Odessa

A Ukrainian court convicted a spy who used drones to transmit information to Russian special services. The sentence provides for 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The Primorsky District Court of Odessa convicted in absentia a spy who collaborated with Russian special services. The man was accused of collecting and transmitting information about the positions of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. His sentence is 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. The information was reported by the Public with reference to the verdict of the Primorsky District Court of Odessa.

According to court documents, the defendant is a native of Transnistria, but has Russian citizenship and is currently hiding in Russia. In September 2023, he recorded a number of strategic objects on video using an unmanned aerial vehicle (quadcopter). In particular, the spy filmed the locations of the Ukrainian military, border units and work to strengthen defensive positions. Among the recorded – laying an anti-tank ditch near the settlement of Stanislavtsi and the road leading to Klymentevoye.

Ukrainian servicemen quickly discovered a spy drone. It was destroyed by a shot from a rifle. This prevented the transfer of video materials to representatives of the Russian special services.

According to the investigation, the spy planned to transfer the collected data to Russia for use in military purposes. He is currently outside Ukraine, probably in Russia. Because of this, the court passed a verdict in absentia.

The verdict provides for 15 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. The sentence will begin to run only after the convict is detained.

Currently, the decision of the Primorsky District Court of Odessa has not yet entered into force. The convict or his defense attorneys have 30 days from the date of the verdict to file an appeal.