On July 10, 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine detained a Chinese father and son accused of attempting to steal classified documentation related to the Neptune anti-ship missile system. The suspects allegedly tried to recruit a Ukrainian insider and transmit sensitive military data to Chinese intelligence. This unprecedented espionage case has triggered diplomatic tension and raised concerns about foreign interest in Ukraine’s defense technologies.

Ukraine Detains Two Chinese Nationals Accused of Espionage Over Neptune Missile Secrets

KYIV, UKRAINE — July 10, 2025 Ukrainian counterintelligence agents have arrested two Chinese nationals in Kyiv for allegedly attempting to steal classified documentation related to the Neptune anti-ship missile system. The suspects—a father and son—are accused of working together to smuggle sensitive military data to Chinese intelligence services, marking a rare and serious breach in Ukraine’s national security.

Espionage Operation Uncovered

According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the younger suspect is a 24-year-old former student of a technical university in Kyiv. He remained in Ukraine after being expelled in 2023 for poor academic performance. Investigators say he was tasked with acquiring technical documentation on the Neptune missile system and attempted to recruit a Ukrainian citizen with access to the weapons program.

The father, who resides in China, reportedly traveled to Ukraine to personally coordinate his son’s espionage activities. The SBU caught the younger man red-handed while receiving classified documents and arrested the father shortly afterward.

Targeting Ukraine’s Neptune Missile System

The Neptune missile system, developed by Ukraine’s Luch State Design Bureau, is a medium-range cruise missile capable of striking naval and land targets. It gained international attention in April 2022 when it was used to destroy the Russian missile cruiser Moskva, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet.

The system is considered a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defense capabilities, especially in the Black Sea region. Its core missile, the R-360, has a range of up to 300 kilometers and has been upgraded to reduce Ukraine’s reliance on foreign-supplied weapons.

Legal Consequences and National Security Implications

Both suspects have been charged under Part 1, Article 114 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—espionage. If convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison

. Phones and other devices used to coordinate the operation were seized during the arrests.

This case marks the first known instance of Chinese nationals being detained for espionage in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukrainian officials have previously accused China of indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort through trade and technology transfers, including components for drones and ammunition.

Diplomatic Fallout and Broader Tensions

The arrests are likely to further strain relations between Kyiv and Beijing. Ukraine has already sanctioned several Chinese companies for allegedly aiding Russia’s military operations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly accused China of supplying gunpowder and other materials to Moscow, and Ukrainian forces have reportedly captured Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian troops.

The Chinese Embassy in Kyiv has not responded to requests for comment, and the identities of the detained individuals have not been officially released.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Ukraine’s Defense Sector

The attempted theft of Neptune missile documentation underscores the growing importance of Ukraine’s domestic arms industry—and the lengths foreign actors may go to obtain its secrets. As Ukraine continues to modernize its military and reduce dependence on Western aid, protecting its technological assets has become a top priority.

The SBU’s swift action in this case highlights the country’s vigilance in safeguarding national security amid ongoing war and geopolitical tension. Investigations are ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information about similar activities to come forward.