SBU Detains 'Double Agent' Embedded in Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces for Russia and Belarus

The SBU has detained a Ukrainian serviceman in the Unmanned Systems Forces for allegedly spying for the FSB and Belarusian intelligence.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 8:42 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the State Security Service of Ukraine

Infiltration of the Unmanned Systems Forces

Military counterintelligence of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), acting with the cooperation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has neutralized a high-level security threat within the elite Unmanned Systems Forces (USF). The detained individual, a serving member of the Ukrainian military, allegedly acted as a "double agent" for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the intelligence branch of the Belarusian border service. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of hostile intelligence agencies to penetrate Ukraine's most technologically advanced military units.

Espionage Activities and Tactical Leaks

According to the SBU, the perpetrator initially served as a UAV operator, where he reportedly leaked sensitive data regarding the movement, types, and quantity of Ukrainian drones operating in the northeastern border regions. His role later shifted to the operation of ground-based robotic complexes in the Izium direction—units responsible for the critical tasks of evacuating wounded soldiers and delivering ammunition to the front lines.

Rather than fulfilling his combat duties, the suspect allegedly used his position to:

Collect intelligence on the location and operational plans of adjacent Ukrainian units.