A Ukrainian court sentenced a 26-year-old man, who disguised as a woman while gathering intelligence for Russia, to 15 years in prison with property confiscation for high treason committed during martial law.

He was photographing military targets for Russian missile strikes in southern Odesa Oblast for months, according to Ukraine Security Service (SBU).

Russian handlers recruited him through Telegram after he contacted their representatives looking for paid work. They offered money in exchange for intelligence on military installations around Izmail district, the strategic port city near Romania’s border.

The spy grew his hair long, learned to apply makeup, and assembled a complete female wardrobe. For months, he walked through sensitive areas appearing as just another local woman.

 “Carrying out the curator’s tasks, he collected data about the locations of military units, movement and basing of Armed Forces personnel and equipment,” the Odesa Oblast Prosecutor’s Office stated.

The disguised agent walked through sensitive areas around Izmail, secretly photographing Armed Forces installations, Security Service facilities, and border guard positions. He packaged his intelligence as detailed reports including text messages, photographs, and precise marks on electronic maps for his Russian handler.

Russian forces intended to use the collected targeting data “to carry out a new series of air attacks on Odesa Oblast,” according to SBU internal security officials. The real-time intelligence would have enabled precise strikes on Ukrainian defensive positions throughout the southern region.

Security Service officers arrested the spy at his residence in January 2025, seizing his mobile phone containing evidence of ongoing coordination with Russian operatives. The device revealed months of communications with Moscow handlers directing his reconnaissance activities.