report
Status: 03/28/2023 5:59 p.m
According to Ukrainian sources, more than 600 pro-Russian spies and agents have been arrested since the war began. Armed police officers are looking for the saboteurs in Sloviansk – during the night curfew.
By the time Alexander Vietrov gets into his car and begins his patrol, it is already so dark that his uniform almost blends into the night. His unit, the “Patrol Police Sloviansk”, wears black uniforms, flak jackets and assault rifles. It is supposed to control the night curfew in Sloviansk, a city about 20 kilometers from the eastern Ukrainian front line. And: Vietrov and his colleagues are looking for pro-Russian saboteurs.
The patrol leads through the outskirts of the city, through deserted streets. From nine o’clock in the evening the city is darkened to give no landmarks to Russian drones and missiles. Vietrov suspects anyone who is still outside and is not part of the military as a potential saboteur.
“They pose a threat to Ukraine, they are dangerous,” says Vietrov. He fears that the saboteurs could report military movements to the Russians, correct missile impact targets or announce new target coordination.
“Why aren’t you home yet?”
Two men with backpacks suddenly appear out of the darkness at the side of the road. Vietrov and his colleagues jump out of the car, the blue lights of the police car bathe the street in a dull light. “Why aren’t you home yet? Are you from here?” asks Vietrov. “Have you saved Russian numbers on your cell phone?”
His colleague Polina Pylypenko scrolls through their smartphones. Checks chats, messenger apps and photos. “It’s also forbidden to photograph impact targets,” says the 29-year-old. At the same time, Vietrov compares the names and faces of the men in a database. “Standard procedure,” he says. His rifle rattles as he leans over a car.
After a few minutes it is clear: one of the two men has chatted with Russian contacts. However, the police officers did not find any suspicious photos or information. The two men are allowed to continue, but receive a warning.
During checks, Polina Pylypenko also searches suspects’ cell phones.
Image: Tobias Dammers
Secret sympathies for Russia
According to the Ukrainian secret service, more than 600 “Russian agents and spies” have been exposed since the beginning of the Russian raid about a year ago. They are said to have carried out “subversive activities”. 340 cases would therefore already be heard in court.
Sloviansk is considered a troubled city in Ukraine. In 2014, armed clashes broke out there between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian security forces. At times, administration, police and secret service buildings were occupied by the separatists.
During his patrol shifts in Sloviansk, Alexander Vietrov personally has not been able to arrest any saboteurs. But he is convinced that they are out and about in the city. Because many people in the city have “secret sympathies” for the so-called “Russian world”. Those “who think they would have a better life if Russia were here.”
“Hands up please!”
A few kilometers further, in downtown Sloviansk, Serhii Simeyko and Andrii Pytrula are on foot patrol. Their flashlights are the only beams of light in the streets. These graze the ruins of collapsed houses, abandoned playgrounds and destroyed facades.
“Slovyansk is a retreat for our military,” says Pytrula. “We need to know who’s on the move in our city.” He has wrapped bright green tape around his upper arms – just like the Ukrainian soldiers do. Once, the 21-year-old says, he was able to arrest an illegally armed group in Sloviansk.
Across the street, they notice a single man. Dark worn jacket, short hair, glasses. He claims to have “forgotten” about the curfew. He was still with his girlfriend.
This man shouldn’t really be out on the street anymore either. “Hands up, please!” Says Simeyko. Pytrula checks the man, empties his pockets, inspects his cell phone. But again: no hit. The man is not suspicious and is being sent home. “It’s not easy,” says Pytrula. The saboteurs “are just as careful as we are”.
Serhii Simeyko is walking with his colleague in Slowjansk.
Image: Tobias Dammers
New impacts in Sloviansk
The curfew lasts until five in the morning. Even during Alexander Vietrov and Andrii Pytrula’s shift, new impacts can be heard in the city.
According to the authorities, at least two people died and around 30 others were injured in further rocket attacks on the city center a few days later. Accordingly, administration and office buildings as well as five rental and seven private houses were damaged.