A high-ranking official from Russia’s security services has asserted that a former Kommersant journalist and adviser to the head of Roscosmos was involved in transferring data about the Russian Armed Forces to Germany. The claim centers on operations linked to Syria in 2015, with the official linking the information to a German intelligence contact. The person named is Ivan Safronov, a journalist who at one point held a direct line to Russia’s space agency leadership and is noted for his work covering defense and space topics. The allegation surfaces in the context of ongoing scrutiny over classified material and the channels through which such information can move between international actors. The assertion is attributed to a representative of the security service, who described the information as classified at the time it was allegedly shared and only declassified later, decades after the events in question. The official emphasized that, when first known, the data were treated with strict confidentiality and that any disclosure would be considered a serious breach of security norms. According to the account, Safronov supplied what was labeled as concealed information to a person described as a German intelligence agent, with the report suggesting a cash exchange of about 200 dollars. The narrative further claims that Safronov completed seven similar missions during that period, placing him at the center of a broader pattern of alleged information transfers. This description aligns with a broader investigative frame in which sensitive intelligence material related to military activities, reconnaissance, or strategic developments could circulate among foreign actors under the guise of ordinary investigative or journalistic work. The disclosures, if verified, would implicate questions about the handling of such data within domestic and international security protocols, including whether appropriate safeguards were in place to prevent unauthorized sharing. The accountability mechanisms surrounding journalists and advisers connected to major state organizations are a focal point of ongoing legal and political discussion within the security apparatus of the country. The case underscores the tension between investigative reporting, sources of information, and the legal boundaries that govern classified material, especially in areas involving defense operations and foreign intelligence. In related remarks, Safronov has publicly addressed the possibility of a lengthy trial and imprisonment, with discussions about potential plea arrangements and sentencing. Reports indicate he faced proposals to plead guilty and accept a reduced term, but those offers were reportedly declined in light of the defense strategy and the circumstances presented in court. Safronov’s stated position, as publicly conveyed, was that his sentence would be of a comparatively lengthy duration, reflecting the gravity with which the authorities view the alleged offenses. The evolving timeline and nature of the charges have been a focal point for observers tracking the intersection of media, security policy, and legal accountability. As the case progresses, attention remains on the broader implications for press freedom, national security, and the balance between transparent reporting and the protection of sensitive information. The events described continue to be treated as sensitive and are subject to official review and ongoing judicial inquiry, with updates expected as new evidence and testimonies become available. (Citation: TASS)
