Rockets, drones, maneuvering shells, artillery – are a clearly visible weapon, with which Russia attacks Ukraine every day. However, now the special service of Ukraine SBU warns against new tactics of Russian agents: apparently they give up for members of the Ukrainian special servicesto recruit Ukrainians for crimes for Russia.
Recently, the number of cases has increased, “in which the enemy preferably as an SBU officer and orders criminal tasks that are supposed to be performed in the interest of the Ukrainian state,” the service said in a statement.
It is “Tactics of a false flag”which has not been used by Russia in this form so far. It is about observing, providing information, but also committing crimes.
One of the recruitment methods is sending messages from call to be listened to in connection with the alleged “criminal proceedings”. Ultimately, it is offered to close the case in exchange for observation, transport of materials, obtaining chemicals or sabotage activities, such as arson of vehicles or buildings. In addition, recruited are to install software on their mobile phones that enable constant surveillance.
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Bomb in the bag
In this way, in recent months, Russian networks have managed to recruit Ukrainians to carry out attacks in several dozen cases – partly through propaganda, money, blackmail, but probably also through fraud.
At least in some cases it is not completely clear whether the recruited knew who they were working for. It is a whole series of bombing, to which young people were also recruited.
One of the most spectacular cases is the matter two teenagers aged 15 and 17 with Ivano-Frankivsk in west of Ukraine. In March this year, they were to put a bag full of explosives, which was remotely detonated when they were still carrying it to their destination. They both died.
Another case concerns a 21-year-old man who entered a bomb in a bag to the recruitment office in a large city equal, broadcasting his action live through the contact person.
Russian scheme
Otherwise, a 14-year-old girl was employed. The teenager initially refused, but she was blackmailed with compromising photos from her hacked mobile phone. She was to blow up a police station in Tarnopol, but she was arrested.
Russians always work in the same way: Contact makes the Telegram messenger. Ukrainian services are also currently going to school to inform about the threats related to such activities. It is also striking that mainly people susceptible to manipulation are chosen.
In February 2025, a 42-year-old woman from the Poltava region in central Ukraine fell into such a trap. She was told that she was to transport a large sum of money for remuneration. The bag that was handed over to her did not contain banknotes, but a bomb.
Again, the bomb was remotely detonated and the woman was killed. Her little daughter stayed in the hotel before – apparently in the expectation that my mother would come back soon.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
