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Railway Worker Sentenced for Spying on Ukrainian Forces in Sumy

A railway worker received an eight-year prison sentence for spying on Ukrainian defense forces in Sumy. The conviction follows his collaboration with Russia's FSB, according to reports.

Ukrinform UAUpdate2 min readUpdated 4/2/2026

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Published Apr 2, 2026, 1:27 AMUpdated Apr 2, 2026, 2:47 AM
A railway worker received an eight-year prison sentence for spying on Ukrainian defense forces in Sumy. The conviction follows his collab...

Photo: Ukrinform UA

At a glance

  • Railway worker sentenced to eight years for spying on Ukraine's military.
  • Sentenced individual collaborated with Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).
  • Gathered intelligence on locations of military aircraft and artillery.
  • SBU discovered informant during a counterintelligence operation in October 2022.
  • Court ruling emphasizes the fight against espionage in wartime.

Why it matters

The conviction addresses espionage that undermines the security of Ukrainian military operations. It underscores the ongoing threat posed by foreign intelligence agencies in the region.

https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-regions/4108188-do-vosmi-rokiv-turmi-zasudili-zaliznicnika-akij-na-zamovlenna-fsb-spiguvav-za-silami-oboroni-na-sumsini.html

What Happened

A railway worker has been sentenced to eight years in prison for espionage against Ukrainian military forces operating in the Sumy region. The decision was announced by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), indicating that the individual acted under the direction of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).

Key Details

The worker, employed by a local branch of Ukrzaliznytsia, provided intelligence about the locations of Ukrainian aircraft bases and flight schedules for combat helicopters. He was reportedly drawn into spying while searching for easy earnings through Telegram channels.

His activities included gathering information on the deployment of artillery units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and focusing specifically on the positions of rocket systems and conventional artillery. The SBU discovered the informant during a counterintelligence operation in October 2022.

During a search of his residence, agents seized a smartphone containing reports he had sent to the FSB. In response to his actions, Ukrainian authorities implemented preventive measures to safeguard military locations from Russian intelligence operations.

Why It Matters

This case reflects ongoing efforts by Ukrainian security forces to combat espionage and counteract threats posed by Russian operatives. The conviction highlights the vulnerability of sensitive military information in regions experiencing conflict, such as Sumy.

Background

The court found the railway worker guilty under Part 2 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This law addresses unauthorized dissemination of information related to the movement, location, or deployment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other military formations during wartime.

In a related case, another individual received a 15-year sentence for attempting to undermine military infrastructure in Kherson. These developments indicate a robust legal response to espionage activities during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Source: Ukrinform UA

This report is maintained as a live newsroom article. Headlines and top paragraphs may be tightened when fresh reporting changes the clearest angle.

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