Ukraine says that the five alleged Russian spies
were caught with a camera concealed inside a pen,
other espionage equipment and $2000
- a reported bribe for a Ukrainian contact.
The head of Ukraine's security service
says that the five were trying to obtain military secrets.
Four of them have been expelled from Ukraine,
while the fifth has been detained.
Russia's security service, the FSB,
has confirmed the detention,
but denied the Ukrainian version of events.
The FSB said its actions
were a response to the recruitment of Russians
by the Ukrainian security services.
The mutual recriminations come at a highly sensitive time.
Just two weeks ago, Russia sent an ambassador to Ukraine
after a five month absence.
And on Sunday, Ukrainians will vote in an election
to choose a successor to the outgoing President, Viktor Yushchenko.
Mr. Yushchenko's time in office
has been marked by strained relations with Moscow,
and his departure
was being seen as an opportunity
for an improvement in ties
between the two countries.