According to Ukrainian sources, more than 600 pro-Russian spies and agents have been arrested since the war began. Armed police officers search for vandals in Sloviansk – during the night curfew.

By the time Aleksandr Vetrov got into his car and started his patrol, it was already so dark that his uniform almost blended into the night. His unit, the „Slovenian Patrol Police”, wears black uniforms, bulletproof vests and assault rifles. He is supposed to control the night curfew in Sloviansk, a city about 20 kilometers from the front line in eastern Ukraine. And: Vetrov and his colleagues are looking for pro-Russian saboteurs.

The patrol is walking on the outskirts of the city through deserted streets. From nine o’clock in the evening, the city is darkened so as not to give any sights to Russian drones and missiles. Vetrov suspects anyone still outside who is not part of the army as a potential saboteur.

„They are a threat to Ukraine, they are dangerous,” says Vetrov. It is feared that saboteurs will inform the Russians of military movements, correct missile impact targets or announce a new target coordination.

„Why haven’t you come home yet?”

Two men with backpacks suddenly appeared out of the darkness on the side of the road. Vetrov and his colleagues jump out of the car, and the blue lights of the police car flood the street in a dim light. „Why haven’t you been home yet? Are you from here?” Vetrov asks. „Do you have Russian numbers saved on your cell phone?”

His classmate Polina Plebenko scrolls through their smartphones. Checks chats, messaging apps, and photos. “Photographing targets of influence is also prohibited,” says the 29-year-old. At the same time, Vetrov compares the names and faces of men in a database. „Standard procedure,” he says. His gun vibrated as he leaned against a car.

After a few minutes it turned out that one of the two men had spoken to Russian people. However, the police officers did not find any suspicious photos or information. The two men are allowed to continue, but are warned.

Secret sympathy for Russia

According to Ukrainian intelligence, more than 600 „Russian agents and spies” have been exposed since the beginning of the Russian raid about a year ago. They are said to have carried out „subversive activities”. And then 340 cases will already be considered in court.

Sloviansk is a turbulent city in Ukraine. In 2014, armed clashes broke out there between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian security forces. At times, the separatists occupied administration, police and intelligence buildings.

During his patrol shifts in Sloviansk, Aleksandr Vetrov was personally unable to arrest any saboteurs. But he is convinced they are out in town. Because many people in the city have „hidden sympathies” for the so-called „Russian world”. Those „who think they would have a better life if Russia were here.”

„Raise your hands, please!”

A few kilometers away, in downtown Sloviansk, Serhii Simeyko and Andrii Pytrula are on foot patrol. Their lamps are the only rays of light on the streets. They tend the ruins of collapsed homes, abandoned playgrounds and battered facades.

„Sloviansk is a retreat for our army,” Petrolla says. „We need to know who is moving in our city.” He wrapped a bright green ribbon around his arms – just like Ukrainian soldiers do. Once, says the 21-year-old, he was able to illegally detain an armed group in Slovensk.

Across the street, they notice a single man. Dark jacket, short hair, glasses. He claims he „forgot” the curfew. He was still with his girlfriend.

This man should not go out into the street anymore. “Raise your hands, please!” Simeco says. Pytrula examines the man, emptying his pockets, and checking his cell phone. But again: no blow. The man is not suspicious and is sent home. „It’s not easy,” says Pytrula. Vandals are „just as careful as we are”.

New influences in Sloviansk

The curfew lasts until five in the morning. Even as Aleksander Vetrov and Andrei Petrolla transform, new influences can be heard in the city.

According to the authorities, at least two people were killed and about 30 others were wounded in further rocket attacks on the city center a few days later. As a result, administrative and office buildings, five rented homes and seven private homes were damaged.