The counterintelligence unit of the Security Service of Ukraine successfully prevented an escape attempt by a militant who fought in Donetsk. He was apprehended in a hotel in Kovel while preparing to leave for the EU.
Investigations revealed that he was from Donetsk and had joined the Russian-controlled militant group 'Somalia' in 2015, part of the so-called 'DNR'.
He participated in fierce battles at the Donetsk airport, where he sustained injuries and was subsequently 'discharged' from his unit.
In late October 2025, he disguised himself as a displaced person and traveled to the western border of Ukraine to obtain a passport for EU travel.
The SBU had already located him and arrested him during his escape preparations.
There are ongoing checks regarding his potential connections to Russian intelligence agencies, which may have planned his 'deployment' for subversive activities in the EU.
During a search of his hotel room, Russian and 'DNR' passports were found, along with a 'military ticket' and insignias of the aggressor's armed formations.

Currently, the SBU has notified the suspect of charges under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

•  Part 1 of Article 111 (treason in wartime);
•  Part 2 of Article 260 (participation in illegal armed formations).

The suspect is being held in custody without bail and faces up to 15 years in prison with property confiscation.
The operation was conducted by SBU officers in cooperation with the State Border Guard Service under the supervision of the regional prosecutor's office.