A 27-year-old Russian-Australian man accused of spying on the Ukrainian military has appeared in court for the first time, speaking only to confirm his identity and answer a question from the magistrate.
Vladimir Teslov appeared by video link at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday wearing a green prison-issued shirt. He is charged with attempting to engage in foreign interference.
Teslov was arrested in Brisbane’s south-west in August following an investigation by the Australian Federal Police’s counter foreign interference task force. He did not apply for bail and remains in custody.
Prosecutors allege the Victorian man travelled to Russia in October 2024 for military-style training before returning to Australia and travelling to Ukraine the following year.
The AFP alleges he went to Ukraine in May 2025 and joined the Ukrainian armed forces, giving him access to information about military personnel, units and locations.
Investigators further allege Teslov provided the location and operation of Ukrainian military activities to Russian forces during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said in August that investigators would allege Teslov had maintained contact with people he believed were connected to Russian intelligence services.
Commonwealth prosecutor Ellie McDonald told the court that work had begun on preparing the brief of evidence, but a further eight weeks was needed before the first tranche could be served on Teslov.
Analysis of 17 devices seized during the investigation was also incomplete. The matter was adjourned until December 4.
Teslov responded “No, Your Honour” when asked whether he had any questions. He has not been required to enter a plea at this stage.
His arrest was the first by the task force of a Russian-linked person under Australia’s foreign interference laws.
