Ukrainian Ex-Servicemen Detained in Bulgaria for Espionage Charges

Two Ukrainian nationals, Olegsii Timofeev and Roman Zozulya, were detained in Bulgaria on January 12, 2026, accused of espionage near a military facility. Timofeev, a 41-year-old retired lieutenant from the Ukrainian army, and Zozulya, a 32-year-old former airborne assault troop member, both have disabilities from military service. They have been living in Spain with temporary residence permits since September 2025. The Sofia City Court is handling the case under the Penal Code's chapter on crimes against the Republic. During a recent court hearing, both defendants requested medical assessments due to health issues exacerbated by pre-trial detention. The court has postponed proceedings until March 17, 2026, and approved closed-door hearings to protect national security. The prosecution and defense both emphasized the sensitive nature of the case, citing classified information involved.

Key Points: • Two Ukrainian ex-servicemen detained in Bulgaria on espionage charges. • Both defendants have military backgrounds and disabilities from service-related injuries. • Court proceedings are postponed to March 17, 2026, with hearings held behind closed doors.