BREAKING: Espionage, Treachery, and Heroism in the Ukrainian Air Force - Silicon Curtain

Edition No208 | 31-07-2025 - Today’s episode involves espionage, treachery, and heroism. The greatest examples of human bravery, and the lowest examples of treachery.

• Recent cases of Ukrainians spying for Russia
• The devastating moral cost of these betrayals
• Profiles of Ukrainian air-force pilots who died serving their country
• The lethal FSB agents tracked down and killed in Ukraine
• Can Ukraine counter traitors and constant attempts to penetrate its security by Russia.

Exposing the Spies - In July 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) detained a Ukrainian Air Force major, working as a flight instructor, accused of spying for Russia’s FSB. The officer allegedly leaked coordinates of airfields, flight schedules, and departure orders—especially those hosting Western-supplied F‑16s, Mirage 2000s, and Su‑24s. The SBU described the leaks as tactical blueprints for Russian missile and drone strikes. He even provided an analytical report advising on strike tactics to ‘bypass Ukrainian air defences’ (Reuters, July 30, 2025).

This is treachery of the highest order, not only his country, but the heroes he instructed.
“In particular, the enemy’s priority targets were airfields where F‑16s, Mirage 2000s and Su‑24s were based … The agent collected the coordinates … schedules and … the order of their departure”

This case mirrored a similar arrest reported earlier—recruitment via his ex-wife, a former military officer in occupied Melitopol. He allegedly provided Russia’s Aleksandr Belodedov from FSB’s Alpha unit with target data before Ukraine intercepted his transmissions and detained him in Lviv Oblast (Kyiv Independent), July 3, 2025).
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DESCRIPTION:
Heroes and Traitors: Stories of Ukrainian Bravery and Betrayal

In this gripping episode of Silicon Bites, we delve into the stark contrast between heroism and treachery in Ukraine amid its resistance against Russia. We explore recent cases of espionage by Ukrainians spying for Russia, detailing the devastating consequences and moral costs. Profiles of fallen Ukrainian Air Force pilots symbolize sacrifice and bravery, highlighting their significant contributions and ultimate sacrifices. The episode covers high-profile assassinations and the intense shadow war involving Ukrainian security forces and Russian operatives. We also discuss the motivations behind betrayal and the critical countermeasures Ukraine must take to safeguard its national security and unity.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
00:36 Cases of Treachery in Ukraine
01:25 Exposing the Spies
04:58 Profiles of Fallen Ukrainian Air Force Heroes
09:35 Assassination of Colonel Ivan IC
11:33 Motivations and Countermeasures Against Betrayal
13:35 Conclusion: The Cost of Betrayal and the Resolve of Ukraine