Zhytomyr Resident Sentenced for Leaking Air Force Data to Russia

The convicted individual provided details regarding the maneuvers of Ukrainian military aircraft over a four-month period in 2025. Working from his home, located several dozen kilometers from a military airbase, he reported on aviation activities, including the operation of jet engines in Ukrainian airspace.

The case gained momentum after the man attracted attention from enemy intelligence services following comments he made on a pro-Russian Telegram channel. Evidence presented during the trial included his correspondence with someone claiming to be an FSB representative.

During the proceedings, the accused partially admitted his guilt, claiming he had been unaware that he was communicating with a representative of the aggressor nation and did not understand the illegality of his conduct. The court ultimately found him guilty of treason committed under martial law as defined in Part 2 of Article 111 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.

The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by Ukrainian authorities to address espionage and protect national security, especially during the current military conflict. Courts in the region are increasingly handling cases involving individuals accused of collaborating with Russian entities, reflecting the heightened vigilance against treason during wartime.

During the hearing, the court emphasized the severity of the crime, which poses significant risks to national defense. The court noted that such acts of treason are particularly damaging in a time of war, potentially compromising the safety of military personnel and operations.

In a related case earlier this month, a member of the Russian FSB was similarly sentenced to 15 years in prison in the Khmelnytskyi region for providing intelligence about Ukraine's air defense positions, demonstrating the judicial system’s resolve to counter espionage activities and uphold justice amid ongoing hostilities.