Alleged Russian spy caught trying to photograph military vehicles bound for Ukraine

WARSAW: Polish security services have arrested a man suspected of trying to obtain photos of military vehicles crossing the border with Ukraine, a spokesman said on Wednesday, the latest in a series of cases of ‘spying.

The 26-year-old Ukrainian was suspected of encouraging a Polish citizen to share the photos and “participate in the activities of foreign intelligence services against the Republic of Poland”, the spokesperson said.

Poland says its role as a hub for supplies to Ukraine has made it a key target for Russian spies trying to gather information about support for kyiv’s war effort and engage in acts of sabotage.

The Ukrainian, named Oleksandr D., sent messages to a Polish citizen encouraging him to help foreign intelligence, Jacek Dobrzynski, spokesman for the minister for special services, said in a statement.

“This activity was supposed to consist of sharing photos of military vehicles intended to help Ukraine and crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border,” Dobrzynski explained.

“In exchange for the information provided, the Polish citizen was to receive remuneration of 15,000 euros.”

The court granted the prosecutor’s request to keep the suspect in pre-trial detention for three months. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in prison.