Russian drone strike kills three in Sumy, UK man charged with aiding GRU

Sumy Shopping Centre Drone Strike Kills Three

On 9 September, a Russian drone struck a shopping‑centre in the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy. Regional Governor Oleh Hryhorov announced on Telegram that the attack killed three people and injured two. He said a fire broke out and posted a photo showing a badly damaged building and rubble on the ground.

Rescue teams were deployed to the site, working to tackle the aftermath of the strike. The incident occurred in a region that has long been subject to heavy attacks, and Moscow has said it wants to establish a buffer zone along the border.

Joshua Cammidge Charged Under the National Security Act

British authorities arrested 31‑year‑old Joshua Cammidge in Swindon on 4 September, accusing him of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The arrest was led by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, with support from Wiltshire Police.

On 5 September Cammidge was re‑arrested and detained under the National Security Act on suspicion of aiding the GRU Volunteer Corps – a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised two charges: assisting a foreign intelligence service contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023 and preparatory conduct contrary to Section 18 of the same Act.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Joshua Cammidge with National Security Act offences following a counter‑terrorism policing investigation. Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor, via Metropolitan Police

“The police have taken action against a potential threat, and I thank them for the vital work they do every day to keep us safe. Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specifics of this case, I know people will be concerned about recent incidents across Europe, intended to sow fear, create disruption and undermine support for Ukraine. They will not succeed. We’ll continue to take whatever action is necessary to defend against the range of threats we face from Russia. Anyone attempting to undermine our security will feel the full force of the law.”

Dan Jarvis, Security Minister, via Metropolitan Police

Cammidge is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 10 September. Police have warned the public not to share information that could prejudice the proceedings.

Comparative Snapshot of the Two Incidents

Legal and Security Context

The Sumy strike occurred in an area that Moscow has described as a “buffer zone.” Ukrainian officials have warned that the region is frequently targeted by heavy attacks.

The National Security Act 2023 sets out offences for assisting foreign intelligence services, under which Cammidge has been charged.

Ukrainian authorities responded to the Sumy attack by deploying rescue teams, while UK officials announced prosecutions of Cammidge, as detailed in the statements above.