Svitlana, 42, lives near Kyiv. She never considered betraying her country. “Not for a second,” she says. She had been waiting for news about her husband, Dima, an army medic captured by Russia. After two years, she received an unexpected phone call.
The Russian Offer
A voice on the phone introduced itself as Dmitry. He spoke in a Russian accent. He told Svitlana that if she betrayed Ukraine, Dima might be treated better in prison or even released early. “You can either burn down a military enlistment office, set fire to a military vehicle, or sabotage a Ukrainian Railways electrical box,” he suggested. He also wanted information on air defense units.
Taking Action
Svitlana remembered the Ukrainian authorities’ advice: record everything, stall, and report it. She followed their instructions, taking screenshots of the conversation and contacting the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU). The SBU told her to pretend to agree while they investigated. So, she said she would firebomb a railway line.
Threats and Intimidation
Dmitry didn’t stop there. He sent more instructions. “Make a Molotov cocktail. Go to a railway junction. Avoid security cameras,” he said. He asked for proof. “Take a photo with today’s date on a piece of paper,” Dmitry demanded. In return, he promised a phone call with Dima or even a parcel delivery.
When Svitlana told Dmitry she had changed her mind, the threats began. “They’ll kill your husband,” he said. “It’s your fault.”
Struggling with Fear
Svitlana felt torn. “My heart ached. I could only pray: ‘God, please don’t let that happen,'” she says. Part of her doubted Dmitry’s power, but another part worried he could follow through.
The SBU’s Support
The SBU confirmed that cooperating with Russian agents would only worsen Dima’s situation. “It may significantly complicate their chances of being exchanged,” they said. They urged Svitlana to report the contact. If families come forward, they will be protected. However, those who commit sabotage or espionage may face life imprisonment.
Around 50% of families of prisoners of war (PoWs) are contacted by Russian agents. Petro Yatsenko, from Ukraine’s military, says some are desperate enough to do anything. However, he stresses, “It won’t help your loved ones.” Sabotage actions destabilize society, and revealing military secrets is a major threat.
Dima’s Release
Three months ago, Dima was released. Svitlana was overjoyed. “There were tears of joy like I’ve never cried before,” she says. The family is now reunited, enjoying their time together. When Svitlana told Dima about the threats, he was shocked. “How did you handle it?” he asked. She smiled, “I’m an officer’s wife.”