A High-Profile Arrest Exposes Alleged Treason and Influence Over Law Enforcement
KYIV, Ukraine — In a significant blow to Russia’s covert operations within Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a member of parliament from the now-banned pro-Russian Opposition Platform — For Life (OPZZh) party, accused of treasonous collaboration with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The arrest, announced by the SBU, highlights the deepening infiltration attempts by Moscow amid the ongoing war, as reported by DROBRO.
Recruitment and Influence Peddling
The lawmaker, reportedly recruited by the FSB prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, had allegedly leveraged his position to exert undue influence over the leadership of one of Ukraine’s key law enforcement agencies. According to SBU investigators, the MP’s actions constituted state treason under martial law, compounded by abuse of power to advance Russian interests. The charges were formally brought in July, marking a pivotal moment in the probe into foreign meddling.
Following his detention, the suspect was swiftly brought before a court, where a measure of pretrial detention was imposed. The SBU has withheld the official name of the individual pending further investigation, but sources close to the matter, including the publication “DT,” identify him as Fedor Khrystenko, a former OPZZh parliamentarian. Khrystenko, who fled Ukraine just before the invasion, had been placed on an international wanted list and was recently extradited from the United Arab Emirates through high-level diplomatic channels, rather than standard extradition procedures.
SBU Detains Russian-Recruited Ukrainian Lawmaker from Banned Pro-Russia Partyhttps://t.co/qo8bBOAuHX pic.twitter.com/LMrOkKsiDH
— Дрогобич чиНа ❗️ DroBro7/24 (@DroBro10) September 6, 2025
Broader Implications for Ukrainian Institutions
The case underscores the pervasive threat of Russian intelligence networks within Ukraine’s political and security apparatus. Investigators allege that the MP’s collaboration extended to providing sensitive information and facilitating Russian agendas, potentially compromising national security. The SBU’s ongoing pretrial investigation is expected to uncover further connections, with reports suggesting the detainee may testify against Ruslan Magamedrasulov, a detective from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), who is already in SBU custody on related suspicions.
This development follows earlier SBU disclosures about potential Russian sway over NABU operations, raising alarms about the integrity of anti-corruption efforts during wartime. The transfer from the UAE was reportedly orchestrated by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, emphasizing the coordinated international efforts to bring fugitives to justice.
A Stark Reminder of Espionage in Wartime Ukraine
As Ukraine continues its defense against Russian aggression, arrests like this serve as a stark reminder of the hybrid threats posed by espionage and political subversion. The SBU’s swift action not only neutralizes immediate risks but also bolsters public confidence in the nation’s resolve to root out traitors. “This is about protecting our sovereignty from within,” an anonymous SBU source remarked, underscoring the high stakes involved.
In the broader context of the conflict, such cases highlight the resilience of Ukrainian institutions amid relentless pressure. While the investigation proceeds, the detention of a figure like Khrystenko—once a vocal advocate for pro-Russian policies—signals a zero-tolerance stance toward collaboration with the enemy.
Sources: DROBRO, DT Publication