Ukraine security shaken by FSB infiltration: Kulinich on trial
A Russian FSB agent, Oleh Kulinich, successfully infiltrated the inner circle of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kulinich was privy to Russia's plans to invade Ukraine, significantly impacting the unfolding events. His actions were part of a broader operation orchestrated by Volodymyr Sivkovych, a former deputy director of Ukraine's National Security Council.
Sivkovych, currently working for the FSB, organised a spy network aimed at bringing Ukraine back under Kremlin control. Kulinich, as a trusted advisor to Zelensky, had access to vital information that he conveyed to the Russians. His involvement in Zelensky's presidential campaign and subsequent role as head of the Crimean branch of the SBU enabled him to monitor and undermine Ukraine's defence preparations.
In 2022, the British government identified Sivkovych as one of four former Ukrainian politicians collaborating with Russian services. The United States imposed sanctions on him for his destabilising actions against Ukraine.
Kulinich, aware of the invasion plans from Crimea, did not provide evidence to Kyiv, which influenced the subsequent developments.
Accused of treason
Kulinich was arrested in July 2022 on charges of treason. The evidence against him includes documents seized from computers in Moscow and materials found during a raid on his apartment in Kyiv. Kulinich's trial is ongoing, and his arrest led to a purge in the Ukrainian security service.
If Kulinich is found guilty, he faces up to 15 years in prison. His arrest marked the beginning of a broad purge in the SBU, which continues to this day. These changes aim to bolster Ukraine's counterintelligence and safeguard the country against further infiltrations.
Source: Onet
