# Russian officer defection and intelligence leak

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-officer-defection-and-intelligence-leak
> Updated: 2026-10-18T05:55:16.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

Russian Lieutenant Lev Stupnikov, a communications officer in the 36th Motorized Rifle Brigade, provided intelligence to Ukrainian forces that reportedly led to the deaths of over 300 Russian soldiers. Stupnikov, a graduate of the Budyonny Military Academy, utilized his role as a battalion communications head to leak troop movements, operational plans, and live feeds from drones and surveillance cameras.

One specific operation involved providing coordinates and photographs of a Russian group near Vuhledar, resulting in a Ukrainian missile strike that killed 68 personnel, including ten officers. After his intelligence activities, Stupnikov defected across the front lines in July 2024 to join the Russian Volunteer Corps. Following his defection, he has faced personal consequences, including accusations of betrayal from his wife.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Russian Lieutenant Lev Stupnikov defects to Ukraine after leaking intelligence

Russian Lieutenant Lev Stupnikov defected to Ukraine after leaking intelligence that reportedly led to the deaths of over 300 Russian soldiers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-lieutenant-lev-stupnikov-defects-to-ukraine-after-leaking-intelligence

### 2026-10-16: Lev Stupnikov: Russian officer aids Ukraine in strikes killing 300 soldiers

Russian Lieutenant Lev Stupnikov provided intelligence to Ukraine that reportedly caused over 300 Russian casualties before defecting to fight with the Russian Volunteer Corps in July 2024.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lev-stupnikov-russian-officer-turned-ukrainian-intelligence-asset

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Cite as: Russian officer defection and intelligence leak. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-officer-defection-and-intelligence-leak