Ukrainian scientist arrested for aiding Russian drone tech
A 72-year-old scientist from Kharkiv has been arrested by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU). He is accused of aiding Russia in enhancing the Iranian Shahed drones used by the Russian military against Ukraine.
The scientist, working for Russia, "developed projects aimed at improving" the Shahed drones, specifically upgrading their engines and activation mechanisms.
The identity of the arrested individual has not been disclosed. It is only known that he is from Kharkiv, in eastern Ukraine. He is accused of passing technology to a friend, who heads a Russian company tied to drone production.
The SBU claims the suspect communicated with his "Russian collaborators" electronically, concealing his actions under the guise of conducting scientific research in the field of drones. Additionally, he involved one of his former students in the project, who is reportedly now in Russia working on drone development for the Russian army.
The authorities arrested the scientist at his home, where they seized computer equipment, a phone, and hard drives containing "evidence" of his "activities for Russia". The charges against him could lead to up to 12 years of imprisonment.
Russians systematically attack Ukraine with Shahed drones
The Russians are regularly bombarding Ukrainian regions with Shahed drones. According to the portal forsal.pl, last September was the first month since the war began when Russia attacked Ukraine daily using Iranian drones. "Last month, the largest attack involved 72 units, with an average of 44 drones per day," the service notes, adding that this trend is expected to continue in the coming months.
Estimated data indicates that between October 26 and 29, the Russians launched 1,165 Iranian drones. "In the last 14 days, an average of 83 drones were used daily," reports forsal.pl.
