Russian-Australian Accused Of Infiltrating Ukraine Military For Moscow

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

CANBERRA/BRISBANE (Worthy News) – Australian authorities have charged a Russian-Australian man with foreign interference after he allegedly infiltrated Ukraine’s armed forces to obtain military information for people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence.

The 27-year-old dual citizen, identified in court as Vladimir Teslov, was arrested Thursday in Sumner, a suburb of Brisbane in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland, although police said he normally resides in the southeastern state of Victoria.

Teslov is charged with attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference, an offense carrying up to 20 years imprisonment. His case was adjourned until October 2.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators allege Teslov traveled to Russia in October 2024, where he underwent “military-style training,” before returning to Australia.

He allegedly traveled to Ukraine in May 2025 and joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces to gain access to information about military personnel, units and locations.

UKRAINE MILITARY TARGETED

Teslov then allegedly sought to provide the information to people he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.

“It is alleged that this conduct created a risk to the safety and security of Ukrainian military personnel,” Barrett said.

Police seized electronic devices and other material for forensic examination, while investigators have not ruled out additional arrests. Authorities said there was no indication of a threat to Australia.

Barrett said Canberra nevertheless did not want Australia becoming a safe haven for people conducting foreign interference on behalf of other countries.

The Russian Embassy in Canberra said it learned about the case through media reports and was seeking further information.

RUSSIA CONCERNS GROW

The case comes amid heightened Australian concerns about alleged Russian espionage and foreign interference since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Australia has been a prominent supporter of Kyiv, providing about 1.8 billion Australian dollars (about $1.2 billion) in military, economic and humanitarian assistance over the past four years.

In 2024, authorities arrested Russian-born Australian couple Kira and Igor Korolev for allegedly attempting to obtain and transmit Australian state secrets to Russia. They now face conspiracy to commit espionage charges.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) chief Mike Burgess previously said his agency had dismantled a “hive of spies” from an unnamed country in 2022. Australian media later identified Russia as the country allegedly involved, although ASIO has not publicly confirmed that.

Australian and international security agencies have also warned about Russian-linked hackers targeting defense, communications, energy and financial services.

FOREIGN INTERFERENCE FEARS

The Teslov case is unusual because the alleged intelligence target was Ukraine rather than Australia.

Yet Barrett said Australian law applies because Teslov is an Australian citizen and some of the alleged activity occurred in Australia.

The case comes amid wider Western concerns about alleged Russian intelligence operations beyond Ukraine, including assassination, sabotage, espionage and cyber activities across Europe.

Australian authorities said their investigation remains active.

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