Russian intelligence services are increasingly recruiting young women, including minors, to target Ukrainian military personnel through dating apps and social networks, claim the authorities in Kiev.
According to the head of the National Police of Ukraine, Ivan Vîhivski, since the beginning of 2026, six contract killings or attempted assassinations of Ukrainian military personnel have been documented, organized through the Telegram application.
One of the plots was thwarted before it could be implemented, but the other cases are being investigated by the authorities. The Ukrainian official warned that young people have become one of the main targets of Russian recruiters.
“Today’s youth are one of the main targets of Russian recruiters,” stated Vîhivski, according to kyivpost.
How does the recruitment scheme work?
According to the National Police of Ukraine, Russian recruiters identify individuals willing to collaborate through Telegram and other messaging applications, promising them quick earnings in exchange for carrying out tasks.
Investigators claim that the recruited individuals are trained to get in touch with Ukrainian military personnel through dating apps or social networks and to develop personal relationships with them. Russian coordinators would provide them with funds for renting apartments, for alcohol consumption and other expenses, even providing information about places where they can procure methadone and other toxic substances.
During the meetings, the targeted military personnel would allegedly have been administered drugs or poisons in their drinks.
“In reality, we are talking about premeditated crimes organized by the special services of the aggressor state through Ukrainian citizens,” stated the head of the National Police.
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