Ukraine says detained collaborator for aiding Russian strikes

KYIV: Ukraine said Thursday it had detained a former serviceman accused of helping Russian forces strike the eastern Kharkiv region.

Prosecutors in Ukraine have opened thousands of cases into alleged collaboration since Russian forces invaded the country in February 2022.

The Security Services of Ukraine (SBU) said it had apprehended a man accused of "coordinating" attacks in the Kharkiv region, which borders Russia.

The SBU said the suspect had attempted to flee to Russian controlled-territory near the frontline city of Kupiansk.

The former soldier, who is accused of being an agent of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), faces up to eight years in prison, the SBU said.

"He was encouraged to take these steps by his parents, who live in occupied territory," a statement read.

Ukrainian forces meanwhile said they had repelled a Russian sabotage group in the neighbouring Sumy region.

"Border guards discovered an enemy ambush of more than one dozen saboteurs," the border guards said.

The Russian forces were pushed back with artillery and mortar fire, they added.

Moscow's troops entered the Sumy region after the Kremlin launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but were pushed back by Ukrainian forces.