Ukrainian authorities have detained two Chinese citizens who were suspected of attempting to steal highly classified military technologies, in a case which had threatened to deepen diplomatic row between Kyiv and Beijing.
Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) recognized the individuals who were detained trying to access secret information about weapon development and defence innovation. It’s believed that they had plans to access closed facilities under false pretences, and Ukrainian officials claim that they had been operating based on instructions of foreign intelligence agencies.
“Evidence indicates that the suspects were acting on behalf of a foreign country and aimed to obtain classified documents about Ukraine’s potential for defense,” a spokesman of the SBU explained in a press briefing.
They were held in Dnipro, which is a major center for Ukraine’s defence and space industries. Officials say they have seized electronic gear, encryption communication equipment, and documents that they suspected were part of an intelligence mission.
Beijing has yet to issue a public reaction to the detentions, but commentators feel that episode could push tensions in bilateral relations to a climax, especially as Ukraine increases cooperation with Western capitals in defence and technology.
Ukrainian officials said they are increasing counterintelligence efforts after heightened doubts about overseas spying targeting its defense sector, which has surged after the Russian invasion in 2022.
Prosecution of the suspects has already commenced, and they are facing a possible 15 years in prison if convicted pursuant to Ukrainian laws on espionage.
