Ukrainian Intelligence Official Arrested Allegedly Acting as Russian Spy

Col Dmytro Kozyura, chief of staff at Ukraine's anti-terrorism center, has been arrested for allegedly spying for Russia, with claims of multiple information breaches. The SBU has emphasized ongoing efforts to root out such infiltration within its ranks after significant scrutiny since Russia's invasion.

In a startling development within Ukraine's security apparatus, a senior official from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has been arrested on suspicions of functioning as a Russian agent. While the SBU refrained from disclosing the individual’s name, local media has identified him as Colonel Dmytro Kozyura, who serves as the chief of staff at the anti-terrorism center.

During his arrest, footage emerged showing Kozyura in handcuffs, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The SBU described Kozyura as a "rat," detailing at least 14 instances in which he allegedly gathered and relayed critical information to Russian authorities. The investigation that led to his apprehension involved comprehensive surveillance measures, including audio and video monitoring, in addition to analyzing mobile devices and computers.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine since the escalation of hostilities with Russia beginning in February 2022, as there have been various reports of efforts to uncover Russian agents operating within Ukrainian borders. The SBU’s chief, Vasyl Malyuk, was intimately involved in the investigation, which he reported directly to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to the SBU, the FSB, Russia’s Federal Security Service, had allegedly recruited Kozyura in 2018 while he was in Vienna. Following a "hibernation" period spanning several years, he reportedly resumed activities at the behest of his handlers in December of last year.

In a video statement on the SBU website, Malyuk disclosed the methods used to gather evidence against Kozyura. He stated, “Thanks to encrypted program bookmarks, we got into the traitor's gadgets - mobile terminals, computers. We basically lived with him, conducted audio and video monitoring." Throughout this investigative process, it was claimed that misinformation was provided to Moscow.

Malyuk also asserted that the SBU remains committed to internal reform, declaring, "The self-cleansing of the SBU continues. No matter how the enemy tries to penetrate our ranks... we detect them in a timely manner, document them, and detain them." Such vigilance aims to bolster national security in the face of ongoing threats amid the war with Russia.