Russia arrests retired officer accused of spying for Ukraine

MOSCOW – Russia’s domestic security agency says it has arrested a retired navy officer in Crimea accused of spying for Ukraine.

The Federal Security Service said Thursday that Leonid Parkhomenko was gathering information on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet for the Ukrainian military intelligence. It said he was arrested Tuesday on treason charges.

Ukrainian officials dismissed the claim as a provocation

Relations between the ex-Soviet neighbours have been at freezing point following Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and support for a pro-Russia insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

Last week, Russian officials announced the arrest of several Ukrainians accused of plotting acts of sabotage in Crimea. Ukraine over the weekend arrested two Russian servicemen from Crimea, who had previously served in the Ukrainian military, accusing them of treason.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles