Ukrainian security officials report a disturbing rise in teenagers being recruited through Telegram and other online platforms to carry out sabotage attacks inside Ukraine. One such teen, identified as “Vlad,” travelled hundreds of miles to plant a bomb in a military conscription van after being promised $2,000. Like many others, he was approached anonymously online with offers of easy money and gradually coaxed into increasingly dangerous tasks. Ukrainian authorities say more than 800 people have been recruited in the past two years, including at least 240 minors — some as young as 11.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) says recruiters exploit vulnerable young people and motivate them with payments rather than political ideology. Many teenagers are instructed to collect explosives, commit arson, or conduct surveillance, often while being monitored by their handlers. Payments are frequently far less than promised, with many teens cheated or placed in life-threatening situations. Officials warn that some recruited minors have been killed during sabotage attempts, and in certain cases, devices were allegedly detonated remotely by handlers, knowing the teens would not survive.
Despite reporting numerous Telegram channels involved in recruitment, most remain active, continuing to post job-like ads disguised as “part-time work” or “quick money.” Ukrainian authorities accuse Russia of orchestrating the operations, while Russia denies responsibility and counters with accusations of Ukrainian involvement in sabotage inside Russia. As dozens of young suspects await trial, Vlad warns others against falling for online recruiters, saying their promises lead only to prison, injury, or death.
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