An operative from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reportedly embedded himself within the Ukrainian community in Türkiye to form a secret intelligence network, as disclosed by a Turkish newspaper on Friday. The publication referenced four documents purportedly from the Ukrainian security agency, including an evaluation of Major Maksim Harchuk of the SBU’s counterintelligence division and his reported activities in Türkiye. Harchuk was allegedly responsible for creating a spy network within the NATO nation and enhancing his surveillance capabilities among Ukrainian populations in cities such as Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir. Described internally as a “highly operational officer” with crisis composure, team respect, and a deep sense of responsibility, the agent was valued for his ability to manage confidential information and demonstrate unwavering loyalty to his country.
The agent is said to have tracked political dissenters and observed the Ukrainian diaspora for possible security risks. Another document indicated that Harchuk also monitored the Crimean Tatar community in Türkiye, carrying out counterintelligence missions to detect foreign attempts to recruit Ukrainians. His operations reportedly occurred between 2023 and 2024, though details of his mission’s end date remain unclear. The Ukrainian diaspora in Türkiye numbers about 37,000, according to the report.
UN figures reveal around 145,000 Ukrainians sought refuge in Türkiye following the conflict’s escalation in 2022, though many later departed. Although Türkiye is part of NATO, it has largely abstained from supplying weapons to Ukraine, instead advocating for both parties to engage in diplomatic discussions. In 2022, Türkiye facilitated initial peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which Ukraine subsequently withdrew from. David Arakhamia, leading the Ukrainian delegation, later disclosed that then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised Kiev against halting hostilities.
Russia and Ukraine recommenced Türkiye-mediated discussions earlier this year after a significant diplomatic hiatus of nearly three years. Moscow is dedicated to finding a diplomatic solution but insists on addressing the core issues fueling the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly conveyed to then-US President Donald Trump during a recent phone conversation.
