Australian man allegedly tried to provide Russia with military information about Ukraine

A 27-year-old Australian man has been charged for allegedly trying to provide information about the Ukrainian military to Russian intelligence services.

Vladimir Teslov, an unemployed man living in Victoria, was arrested at an address in the Brisbane suburb of Sumner and charged with attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference on Thursday.

At a press conference on Friday, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett detailed how Teslov allegedly tried to gather and share information about Ukrainian military personnel, locations and operations to the Russian Federation.

Teslov allegedly travelled to Russia and undertook military-style training in October 2024 before returning to Australia that December.

He then allegedly maintained contact with people he believed were linked to Russian intelligence services.

Teslov allegedly travelled to Ukraine in May 2025, where he joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces and gained access to military information.

“It is alleged he later provided or attempted to provide information obtained in Ukraine to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services,” Barrett said.

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

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Barrett said that while Teslov’s alleged foreign interference happened domestically and abroad, there was no suggestion of any threat to Australia.

“We believe he’s been unemployed, but I can confirm that there is no risk of him having worked for Australian government agency that would pose a risk to Australia,” she said.

She suggested there could be further arrests after authorities searched multiple properties in Sumner, Sinnamon Park, Springwood and Petrie Terrace this week.

A person was also searched at Saint Lucia.

Authorities have seized electronic devices and other items relevant to the joint AFP and ASIO investigation for forensic examination.

Russian-born Teslov, who moved to Australia with his parents as a child, is facing a maximum of 20 years in jail. He faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

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Investigations are still ongoing into how he allegedly came into contact with Russian intelligence operatives.

Teslov has not worked for any Australian government agency, unlike alleged Russian spy Kira Korolev who worked for the Army as an IT specialist.

Kira and husband Igor Korolev have been charged with conspiracy to commit espionage in June.

Ukrainian ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko will raise the matter with the Ukrainian government and warned reporters in Canberra that Australia was a target for Russia.

“We see how Russian intelligence are actually working in Europe,” he said.

“They are very heavily present in Australia and in many other countries, and they are trying to influence or find information that they’re interested and what would be of value to them.

“And definitely, Australia, along with all other democratic countries, is a target for the Russian intelligence.”