She Hunted Down the Sub Commander Who Betrayed Ukraine
The Story of a Ukrainian Submarine Captain Who Switched Sides
Important Point: This article explains a real-life spy-story situation involving a naval officer, a submarine, and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. We’ll break it down simply, like explaining it to a 5-year-old.
Who Was Captain Shageev?
Imagine a captain who commands a real submarine—an underwater ship that can hide deep in the ocean. Captain Oleksandr Shageev was that person for Ukraine. He was the commanding officer of Ukraine’s only submarine, called the Zaporizhzhia.
What Happened in 2014? (The Big Switch)
In 2014, Russia took control of a region called Crimea, which belonged to Ukraine. This event is known as the annexation of Crimea—basically, one country taking another’s land by force.
During this time, Captain Shageev made a huge decision:
- He was in charge of the Ukrainian submarine Zaporizhzhia in Crimea.
- When Russian forces took over the base, he switched sides.
- Instead of staying loyal to Ukraine, he defected (joined the other side) and began serving in the Russian Navy.
Key Term: Defect = To leave your own country’s military or group and join the enemy’s side.
The Submarine: Zaporizhzhia
- Type: Project 641 (a diesel-electric submarine—it runs on diesel engines on the surface and batteries underwater).
- Status: It was the only submarine in the entire Ukrainian Navy.
- Fate: After Russia seized Crimea in March 2014, the submarine fell under Russian control.
What Happened After He Switched Sides?
Captain Shageev didn’t just disappear—he got a promotion in the Russian Navy.
- He became the Deputy Commander of Russia’s 4th Independent Submarine Brigade.
- This made him one of the most high-profile defectors from the 2014 takeover.
The Recent Attack (2022)
Fast forward to July 2022—during the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s Accusation: Ukrainian authorities officially notified Captain Shageev that he was suspected of high treason (betraying your own country).
- The Attack: Later, an attack happened targeting Captain Shageev.
- The regional governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, called it a "cynical crime against an officer."
- Investigators claimed a woman carried out the attack on orders from Ukrainian special services (spies/intelligence).
- The governor said she shows no remorse (she doesn’t feel sorry).
- Ukraine’s List: Myrotvorets (a controversial Ukrainian website that lists people it calls "traitors" or "war criminals") stated that Captain Shageev had been "liquidated" (a harsh word meaning killed/eliminated).
Important Point: "Liquidated" in spy/military talk usually means killed. Myrotvorets is not an official government court, but its listings are taken seriously by many.
Why Does This Story Matter?
- It shows the human side of war: Real people make life-or-death choices when borders change.
- It highlights the submarine’s value: Losing your only submarine—and its captain—is a massive blow to a navy.
- It illustrates the long reach of intelligence: The 2022 attack suggests Ukraine’s security services track defectors for years.
Summary
- Captain Shageev commanded Ukraine’s only submarine (Zaporizhzhia).
- In 2014, during Russia’s annexation of Crimea, he defected to Russia.
- He rose to become Deputy Commander of a Russian submarine brigade.
- In July 2022, Ukraine charged him with high treason.
- Shortly after, he was attacked (likely killed). Russian officials blame Ukrainian intelligence; a Ukrainian website confirms he was "liquidated."
FAQ
What is a "diesel-electric" submarine?
A: Think of a hybrid car. On the surface, it runs on diesel engines (like a truck). Underwater, it switches to big batteries. It’s quieter than nuclear subs but can’t stay underwater as long.
What does "high treason" mean?
A: It’s the most serious crime against your own country—like giving secrets to the enemy or switching sides during war. In Ukraine, it can carry a life sentence.
Who is Myrotvorets?
A: It’s a website run by Ukrainian activists (not the government). They publish a database of people they accuse of being "traitors" or "war criminals." Being listed there is dangerous and controversial.
Why was the Zaporizhzhia so important?
A: It was Ukraine’s only submarine. Losing it meant Ukraine had zero underwater defense capability. For Russia, capturing it added a vessel to their Black Sea Fleet.
What does "deputy commander of a brigade" mean?
A: A brigade is a large military unit (thousands of people). The deputy commander is the second-in-command—a very senior, powerful position.