In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through Ukraine’s intelligence community, a high-ranking official has been exposed as a double agent working for Russia. The senior figure, who held a pivotal role in the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), was apprehended under suspicions of clandestinely collaborating with Russian intelligence.
While the official’s identity has not been officially disclosed by the SBU, Ukrainian media sources have identified him as Colonel Dmytro Kozyura, purportedly serving as the chief of staff at the SBU’s anti-terrorism center. Images circulated in local media depict the disgraced official in handcuffs, signifying the gravity of the situation as he was detained by SBU Director Vasyl Malyuk.
According to a statement released by the SBU, the accused individual, labeled a “rat” by the agency, stands accused of at least 14 instances of espionage, involving the collection and transmission of sensitive information to Russia. The investigation, characterized by extensive audio and video surveillance, as well as the scrutiny of electronic devices, uncovered a web of deceit that had been spun by the double agent.
The timing of this revelation is particularly poignant in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier this year. The Ukrainian authorities have heightened their efforts to root out and expose Russian operatives embedded within their ranks, signaling a relentless pursuit of national security amidst external threats.
Director Malyuk’s personal involvement in the case underscores the gravity of the situation, with the SBU chief leading the operation that culminated in the double agent’s arrest. The agency emphasized that President Volodymyr Zelensky was kept abreast of the investigation’s progress, reflecting the government’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in matters of national security.
The treacherous path taken by the double agent began in 2018 when he was reportedly recruited by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in Vienna. After a period of lying dormant, the agent’s handlers rekindled contact with him in December of the previous year, setting in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to his exposure and apprehension.
In a bold move aimed at countering the threat posed by the double agent, the SBU resorted to feeding disinformation to Moscow, effectively turning the tables on their adversaries. Director Malyuk’s revelation of this strategic maneuver underscores the agency’s commitment to outmaneuvering hostile forces and safeguarding Ukraine’s national interests.
Amidst the unfolding espionage saga, the SBU reiterated its unwavering dedication to purging its ranks of traitors and maintaining the integrity of its operations. Director Malyuk’s resolute declaration that the agency remains vigilant in detecting and neutralizing threats serves as a testament to Ukraine’s unyielding stance against external infiltration and subversion.
As Ukraine navigates a complex geopolitical landscape fraught with challenges and threats, the unmasking of a high-ranking official as a
