According to Abkhazian media, a joint operation by the de facto State Security Service of Abkhazia and Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) led to the detention of Russian citizens in Sochi who were reportedly planning to travel to Ukraine to participate in hostilities. They allegedly intended to join military formations supervised by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), which Russia has designated as a terrorist organization and banned on its territory.
Abkhazian reports state that, during their stay in Sokhumi, the father and daughter contacted a representative of the Ukrainian organization via the Telegram messenger platform. This representative was reportedly recruiting volunteers for Ukrainian armed forces units. After receiving instructions from the organizer, the detained individuals allegedly carried out support activities in favor of Ukraine, collected information on active Russian military personnel, and planned to travel to Ukraine via Georgian territory to engage in combat operations against Russia.
The FSB has opened a criminal case against the detainees under Article 205.5, Part 2 of the Russian Criminal Code, concerning participation in activities of an organization recognized as terrorist under Russian law.
The de facto Abkhazian Security Service warned that Ukrainian intelligence continues to seek potential perpetrators for attacks and sabotage online, through social networks and messaging platforms, targeting Abkhazia and its Russian partners.
Authorities urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious or provocative activity online, especially involving foreign intelligence services or international organizations.