Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) says it has identified six people who illegally shared photos and videos of Ukrainian air defence systems at work on their social media networks that later appeared on Russian media.
“The individuals recorded the results of the impact of Russian cruise and ballistic missiles,” the SBU said in a statement. “Thereby, they could reveal the location and specifics of domestic air defence systems.”
The images were taken early on Tuesday during what Kyiv officials described as a Russian bombardment with the largest number of missiles in the shortest period of time to rain down on the Ukrainian capital.
“Within minutes, these videos were picked up by numerous Telegram channels and the Russian propaganda public,” the SBU said, adding that internet resources linked to Russia’s intelligence service also had access to these recordings.
The SBU said these individuals could have helped Russian forces “geolocate Ukrainian air defence sites and carry out more precise attacks, putting lives at risk”.
“The individuals face up to eight years in prison,” the SBU said.
