Ukrainian Teens Recruited Online for Sabotage Acts Amid Ongoing War with Russia

“You could say I was duped," Vitalii said, describing his situation. The family's home is near a cemetery with graves of fallen Ukrainian soldiers, in a region briefly occupied by Russian forces early in the war.”

incidents have occurred across Ukraine, including a case last year where a 17-year-old died and a 15-year-old was injured building an explosive device, and a March attack injuring two police officers near Kyiv, linked to a 21-year-old recruited online by Russia's intelligence services.

The SBU launched an ad campaign last year featuring videos of teens committing sabotage and facing arrest, warning of severe penalties even for minors. A Telegram bot allows reporting of recruitment attempts, and as of February 2026, 240 minors were involved in related crimes, with 102 detained, per the Prosecutor General's office.

Recruitment extends beyond Ukraine, with teens arrested in Germany, Poland, Britain, and Lithuania for Russia-linked sabotage. Russia's Federal Security Service did not comment on the allegations, while a Russian official accused Ukraine of similar recruitment for attacks inside Russia.

The SBU did not respond to that claim, though reports confirm sabotage in Russia.

In Chernihiv, a program pairs high school teachers with detained minors to continue their education. Physics teacher Hennadiy Yachnyi visits the detention center several times a week, viewing the youths as students rather than criminals. School director Antonina Kharchenko extended the program, citing the constitution's guarantee of education for all, including during wartime.

“I don’t see them as criminals," Yachnyi told Reuters later. "These are students, just students." Kharchenko noted the teens often come from families affected by poverty, war, and absent parents at the front, making them susceptible to online offers. Her school warns students about social media dangers, with SBU talks and a police presence. Officials highlighted reforms to the penitentiary system and societal understanding that young teens may not grasp their actions' gravity. A lawyer argues for stronger proof of intent in such cases, noting the boys partially admitted to setting the fire but claimed ignorance of its sabotage nature. A separate investigation targets "Sania." Vitalii advised against similar acts, stating there is no easy money without consequences. The detention center in Chernihiv features dilapidated facilities, with minors separated from adults pre-conviction. Society's response varies, with some online outrage calling for unforgiveness, while educators and officials emphasize rehabilitation. Kharchenko transformed her school into a bomb shelter and aid hub during intense attacks, reflecting the war's impact on daily life and education.”