The Sofia City Court (SCC) has placed two Ukrainian ex-servicemen in indefinite custody while they remain in Bulgaria, having been formally charged with espionage. The court issued its ruling on Thursday, which is subject to appeal before a higher judicial body. The SCC panel determined that there was sufficient evidence to support the charges brought against the two men.
Given the nature of the allegations, the court cited a risk that the individuals might abscond or commit further offenses if released. If convicted, the men face potential sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years of imprisonment, or life imprisonment without commutation. The case proceedings were temporarily adjourned following a request from the defense counsel for a medical certification examination.
The two Ukrainian nationals were initially detained in Bulgaria near a military installation on January 12, 2026. The individuals have been identified as Oleksiy Timofeev, 41, who was formerly a lieutenant in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and headed an unmanned aircraft systems department before retiring due to injury, and Roman Zozulya, 32. Zozulya previously served in the AFU assault forces and retired after sustaining an injury to his head from a high-explosive shell.
Both men are currently residing temporarily in Guardamar del Segura, Alicante Province, Spain. The initial action by the court was based on the evidence presented concerning the charges leveled against the two defendants.
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