Teen Recruits: The Dark Side of Ukraine's Digital Battlefield

Ukraine's police chief alleges Russia is recruiting teenage girls to target Ukrainian military personnel. A 17-year-old girl was arrested for allegedly killing a serviceman under Russian direction. Several similar cases occurred this year via Telegram. Russia denies involvement, accusing Ukraine of recruiting Russians for bomb attacks.

The Ukrainian police chief has made serious allegations against Russia, claiming they have been recruiting teenage Ukrainian girls to target and kill military personnel. The accusations follow the arrest of a 17-year-old girl allegedly involved in the murder of a serviceman, reportedly under the orders of a Russian operative.

In an interview released by Cenzor.NET, police chief Ivan Vyhivskyi revealed that six contract killing attempts were organized this year through the Telegram messaging app, one of which was thwarted. 'These are planned murders, organized by the aggressor state’s special services and executed by Ukrainian citizens,' said Vyhivskyi.

The recruitment strategy allegedly involved the young women seeking military men on dating sites, renting apartments, and supposedly using methadone to lace drinks. Over 1,100 Ukrainians have faced charges of betrayal, according to Ukraine's security service. Meanwhile, Russian security services have yet to comment on these accusations.