Ukrainian security services (SBU) reported that a 17-year-old, identified as "Vlad," traveled approximately 800 kilometers in July to collect an explosive device and a phone in Rivne, western Ukraine. He stated he was offered $2,000 to plant the device in a van used by Ukraine's military conscription service. Vlad indicated he was instructed to livestream the scene to a handler for remote detonation. The SBU intervened, preventing the attack. Now 18, Vlad awaits trial on terrorism charges, potentially facing a 12-year prison sentence. He acknowledged potential harm but cited public discontent with conscription officers.
Scope of Recruitment
The SBU stated that over the past two years, more than 800 Ukrainians, including 240 minors, some as young as 11, have been identified as being recruited online by Russian entities to conduct sabotage operations. Cybersecurity expert Anastasiia Apetyk noted cases of recruitment attempts involving children aged nine or ten. Andriy Nebytov, Deputy Head of Ukraine's National Police, described the strategy as targeting vulnerable individuals, noting that "children do not always fully realize the consequences of their actions." He added that minors are allegedly used for creating explosives from household chemicals and planting them at locations such as army recruitment offices or police stations.
Recruitment Methods and Motivation
Recruitment primarily occurs on the Telegram application, with additional platforms including TikTok and video game services. Officials reported that financial incentives, rather than pro-Russian sympathies, are the primary motivators for individuals recruited. Vlad confirmed he does not support Russia and had no prior criminal involvement. He stated he joined Telegram channels seeking remote work, where he was contacted by an individual named Roman.
Vlad described a sequence of escalating tasks:
- An initial instruction to collect a grenade, for which he received $30 despite the item not being present.
- A subsequent task to set fire to a conscription center van, film it, and leave, for which he stated he received approximately $100 in cryptocurrency, less than the promised $1,500.
- The Rivne bombing task, for which he was promised the remaining payment.
Online Activity and Offers
The BBC observed Telegram channels that, while not explicitly pro-Russian, featured content critical of the conscription service. These channels displayed videos alleged to depict actions carried out under their direction. The BBC could not independently verify the circumstances of these videos.
One account contacted by the BBC offered payment, via cryptocurrency or bank transfer, for arson. A price list detailed payments ranging from $1,500 for setting fire to a post office to $3,000 for a bank, with higher amounts for banks due to perceived increased security. Advertisements offering high pay for unspecified part-time work were also found in unrelated Ukrainian Telegram groups, including those for refugees and beauty tips. Following up on one such advert led to an offer for arson attacks, with the recruiter promising quick payment upon video verification.
The BBC reported several of these channels, accounts, chats, and bots to Telegram. Some were removed, but many remained active. One observed channel increased its subscriber count by over 750 individuals during the monitoring period, and an account reported for directly offering payment for arson remained live. Telegram issued a statement affirming that "Calls to violence or destruction of property are explicitly forbidden on Telegram and are immediately removed whenever discovered."
International Context and Consequences
Ukrainian officials have publicly identified members of Russian intelligence agencies suspected of acting as handlers for these operations. The BBC has not independently verified direct Russian state responsibility. However, several European governments have reported evidence of Russian agents recruiting individuals for acts of vandalism, arson, or surveillance within their countries. An example cited is the conviction of six men in the UK for their involvement in a Russian-ordered arson attack on a London warehouse providing aid to Ukraine. In Ukraine, hundreds of individuals are awaiting trial for alleged involvement in such activities. Additionally, some suspects have reportedly died due to explosives they were carrying.