Joshua Cammidge, from Swindon, allegedly received instructions from an individual believed to be linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps, a group controlled by Russia's military intelligence agency, the Crown Prosecution service said.
He has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparatory conduct.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Cammidge was arrested at an address in Swindon on Friday by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London officers, supported by officers from Wiltshire Police.
He was taken to a London police station and searches were carried out at a different address in Swindon, the Metropolitan Police said.
He was further arrested and detained under the National Security Act on Saturday.