On October 14, 2026, in Kyiv, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained an 18-year-old young man who was recruited by the FSB and helped verify Starlink terminals for Russian military operations.
Details of the Detention
According to the SBU, the young man received approximately $160 for each terminal he registered under fictitious names. Preliminary reports indicate that he planned to activate a total of 148 devices, having already registered 15 under the names of relatives and acquaintances.
Purpose of the Terminals
The Russian special services intended to use these terminals for conducting military operations in the regions of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. The detention occurred near a post office where the young man was attempting to activate another terminal, and previously registered devices were also blocked.
Legal Consequences
The young man was charged with treason in a state of war. He is being held in custody without the right to bail, and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property. This arrest highlights the serious threats facing Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.