New details on Kulynych's work for Russian intelligence services

Journalists reveal new facts of espionage activities

The publication The Times has published fresh details of the investigation involving Oleksandr Kulynych, a former senior SBU official accused of treason. It has emerged that the Ukrainian security service gained access to key documents seized not only during the search of Kulynych's apartment in Kyiv but also from computers in the offices of Russian intelligence services in Moscow.

Intelligence network and access to classified data

Among the obtained materials are photos and videos showing Kulynych on holiday abroad in the company of Volodymyr Syvko, known as one of the handlers of the Russian intelligence network in Ukraine. Their correspondence was also found, which proves active cooperation with the FSB.

The documents indicate that Kulynych had access to classified data on Ukraine's defence, making him a valuable asset for the Russian side. In 2020–2021, he facilitated the weakening of counter-intelligence in Crimea, and subsequently used his influence to undermine Ukrainian security.

Kulynych's role in undermining Ukraine's defence

In the spring of 2021, he organised large-scale anti-terrorist exercises in Kherson Oblast, which were later found to have been used to identify weaknesses in Ukraine's defence. With the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, Kulynych blocked the transmission of critical information to the SBU leadership and even issued orders to confiscate weapons from security service personnel.

Arrest and investigation

In July 2022, the SBU detained Kulynych as part of a special operation overseen by the head of the service, Vasyl Maliuk.