The 26-Year-Old Russian Defector Who Fed Ukraine His Army’s Battle Plans

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russian Officer Lev Stupnikov Defected to Ukraine After Leaking Battle Plans

   Russian Lieutenant Lev Stupnikov defected to Ukraine after providing targeting information and battle plans that contributed to the deaths of hundreds of Russian soldiers. Stupnikov spent over six months supplying intelligence to Ukrainian forces before escaping to Kyiv. He now fights with the Russian Volunteer Corps. Reports on the casualty count vary, with some sources citing over 300 deaths and others citing more than 200. Stupnikov stated his decision stemmed from ideological opposition to the invasion and the bombing of innocent civilians.

   Why it matters

   This defection reveals the existence of high-level intelligence channels within occupied territories. Stupnikov's precise data reportedly stalled a major Russian offensive. His case highlights the personal and professional risks taken by Russian military personnel opposing the Kremlin.

   What is confirmed

   • Russian Lieutenant Lev Stupnikov defected to Ukraine.
   • Stupnikov provided battle plans and targeting information to Ukrainian forces.
   • Stupnikov is now fighting with the Russian Volunteer Corps.
   • Stupnikov spent more than six months supplying intelligence to Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Stupnikov's intelligence killed over 300 Russian soldiers.
   • RT reported more than 200 Russian soldiers died because of Stupnikov.
   • Chechen special forces launched a manhunt for Stupnikov.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation from the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the leak's scope.
   • Further testimony from Stupnikov regarding the specific units compromised.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. WSJ — The 26-Year-Old Russian Defector Who Fed Ukraine His Army’s Battle Plans
   2. WSJ — The Defector: A Russian Officer Turned Against His Country and Helped Ukraine Kill Hundreds
   3. defence24.com — Defection in the Russian army. Officer changing sides
   4. blue News — Russian officer defects to Ukraine—his intelligence kills over 300 soldiers
   5. NDTV — A Russian Officer Helped Ukraine Kill 300 Soldiers, Then Escaped To Kyiv: Report
   6. Наша Ніва — A young Russian lieutenant was shocked by the invasion of Ukraine. He contacted Ukrainians and became their m
   7. AOL.co.uk — Nightmare for Putin as officer defects and helps kill hundreds of Russians
   8. 112.ua — Officer Lev Stupnikov Betrayed Russia, Aiding in Destruction of Hundreds
   9. Inshorts — Russian officer helps Ukraine kill 300 soldiers, then escapes to Ukraine | 'They were dropping bombs on innocent civilians' | Inshorts
   10. www.wionews.com — A secret code, a midnight escape and 300 deaths: The Russian ...
   11. meduza.io — A spy inside Russia’s army. The Wall Street Journal tells the ...
   12. english.gujaratsamachar.com — 'I Pledged to Defend Freedom': How a Russian Officer Leaked…
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