The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced allegations against the commander of the 11th Army Corps of the Baltic Fleet within the Western Military District of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Andrey Ruzinsky, stating that he engaged in actions described as crossing the state border of Ukraine while in absentia. This information was reported by TASS, citing officials from the Ukrainian security agency. The SBU’s briefing emphasizes that evidence was gathered indicating Ruzinsky directed subordinate units of the Russian Armed Forces to cross into Ukrainian territory, an accusation that underscores the seriousness of border violations seen from Kyiv’s perspective. The agency asserts that the order to breach the border originated at a high level within the command structure, highlighting the role of the Baltic Fleet’s leadership in the events under review, and underlining the potential breach of Ukraine’s sovereignty. (TASS)
According to the SBU, the allegations involve not only strategic movement but also operational directives that imply deliberate intent to infringe Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The claim suggests a coordinated effort, purportedly driven by senior Russian military leadership, to push units across the border as part of a broader military activity near Ukraine. The SBU pointed to documented communications and other materials it says corroborate the accusation that transborder movements were intentional and sanctioned by the senior command level, rather than being incidental or unauthorized acts by individual soldiers. (TASS)
In its statement, the service also blamed the office of the Russian military governor stationed in the city of Balakleya for what it described as complicity or involvement in the border-crossing plan. The SBU’s reference to Balakleya’s command office suggests an attempt to map a wider network of decision-making and support that allegedly enabled the incursions. The agency implied that local administrative channels were used to facilitate or support operations that violated Ukraine’s borders, signaling a complex web of coordination beyond a single unit. (TASS)
Earlier in April, the SBU reported actions related to an operation described as unauthorized, involving personnel or plans to secure the return or extraction of a pilot from Russian territory. The proclamation points to an ambitious objective that, if executed, would have required inside knowledge of cross-border routes, timing, and security procedures. The incident is portrayed as a breach of established rules governing cross-border operations, reflecting ongoing concerns about Russian military activity close to Ukraine’s borders and the potential for escalation. (TASS)
Separately, Ukrainian authorities announced the arrest of a service member on charges linked to the collection of data concerning the locations of HIMARS launchers. The case highlights Ukraine’s counterintelligence and security efforts aimed at preventing sensitive military information from leaking or being exploited by hostile actors. Investigators indicated that the information being gathered could have compromised allied defense systems and strategic responses if it had reached adversaries, prompting swift legal action and ongoing scrutiny of personnel security in conflict zones. (TASS)