SBU detains Russian agents spying in Lviv region after “Oreshnik” strike
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has neutralised a Russian military intelligence network that attempted to gather information on the consequences of a missile strike by the Oreshnik system on civilian infrastructure in Lviv region. The perpetrators were documenting the extent of damage following the attack, which occurred during the night of 8–9 January 2026.
This was reported with reference to the SBU.
The assessment of the strike’s aftermath was carried out by two residents of Mukachevo: a 64-year-old man recruited remotely and his 22-year-old unemployed neighbour. The senior agent was responsible for coordinating actions and maintaining direct contact with a Russian handler, while the younger acted as a “field” operative.
SBU officers established that after the missile attack, the 22-year-old agent travelled from Zakarpattia to Lviv region. He was tasked with systematically visiting the strike sites, taking detailed photographs, and recording precise coordinates on maps.
The Russians planned to use this information not only to prepare new strikes but also to conduct “powerful” information-psychological operations (IPSO), manipulating perceptions of the scale of destruction to civilian facilities.
The special operation to detain the agents was conducted simultaneously in two regions. The younger agent was captured near the site of the Russian strike in Lviv region while taking photographs. His associate was arrested at his residence in Mukachevo.
During searches, devices containing evidence of correspondence were seized, and audio recordings of conversations between the agents and their Russian handler were intercepted. These materials have already been added to the case file.
SBU investigators have charged both individuals under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason during martial law). They are currently in custody. Both face life imprisonment with confiscation of all property.
Previously, Zaluzhny spoke about an attempted search of his office by the SBU during the 2022 counteroffensive.
The SBU also detained a deserter for planning a terrorist attack in Kropyvnytskyi and arrested a woman suspected of working for Russian intelligence.
Additionally, the SBU has uncovered new schemes to evade mobilisation across Ukraine.
