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Russia's Federal Security Service arrested a man in Sevastopol, Crimea, on Thursday on suspicion of treason for allegedly handing over secret information to Ukraine about Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the RIA news agency reported.
The man, who was not identified by name, was arrested for allegedly gathering and handing over secrets to Ukrainian military intelligence about the Russian fleet that is based on the Black Sea, the security services were cited as saying.
He could face a 12 to 20 years prison sentence if convicted.
The arrest comes amid acute tensions with Ukraine as Moscow has built up military forces near their shared border.
According to Interfax news agency, Russia's defense ministry announced the start of large-scale military drills in Crimea and the Black Sea on Thursday that it said would involve more than 10,000 soldiers and more than 40 warships.
Apart from troop buildup, further tension is also escalating in diplomacy between the two countries.
On April 17, Russia detained Alexander Sosonyuk, a consul of Ukraine's Consulate General in Saint Petersburg, saying he was caught "red handed" during a meeting with a Russian national as he sought to receive "classified" information.
The Ukraine's diplomat was later declared persona non grata by Russia. Ukraine has rejected Russia's accusations and expelled an unnamed Russian diplomat in retaliation.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Thursday confirmed that Sosonyuk has returned to Ukraine and will work in the ministry after taking a period of break.
(With input from agencies)
