MOSCOW, December 1 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) - Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko who stands charged with spying on Russia’s Armed Forces and National Guard has appealed his detention in Moscow’s Lefortovsky District Court, spokesperson for the court Yekaterina Krasnova told RAPSI on Thursday.

The court held on Monday that the accused would remain in jail until January 30, 2017. The matter was considered behind closed doors on the prosecution’s motion because the case is classified as secret.

On October 7, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) charged Sushchenko with espionage. The Lefortovsky District Court of Moscow has ruled to put him in detention.

According to the FSB, the Ukrainian citizen “has purposively collected classified information about the Armed Forces and National Guard of Russia.” Leak of data abroad could cause damage to the national defense capability.

Sushchenko faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Ukrinform news agency earlier confirmed that Sushchenko has been acting as its reporter since 2002. Since 2010, he has been working as Ukrinform’s personal correspondent in France. According to the agency, the man arrived in Moscow on private business during his vacation and was arrested immediately upon his arrival.

Ukrinform repelled accusations against Sushchenko calling him “a journalist with years of unblemished professional reputation.