Teenage Saboteurs in Ukraine: Recruited for Chaos through Telegram

Fri Nov 21 2025 09:15:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Discover how vulnerable Ukrainian teens are being groomed online to carry out sabotage and attacks against their own country, promising them financial incentives while exposing them to dangerous situations.

In a disturbing trend, Ukrainian teenagers are being recruited via Telegram to commit acts of sabotage against their own country. The SBU has identified over 800 individuals, including minors, conscripted to carry out these attacks, with incentives often spoken in the form of substantial cash offers. Many, like an 18-year-old identified as Vlad, recount their experiences of close brushes with death and legal consequences, while officials warn of the deceptive tactics employed by Russian handlers targeting vulnerable youth.

Ukrainian teen saboteurs recruited on Telegram to attack their own country

In July this year a 17-year-old travelled 500 miles from his home in eastern Ukraine to collect a bomb and a phone hidden in a park in the western city of Rivne.

He says he was promised $2,000 (£1,520) to plant the bomb in a van used by Ukraine's military conscription service. When I was connecting the wires, I thought it could explode then. I thought I might die, he told the BBC. Vlad is one of hundreds of children and older teenagers recruited online by Russia, allegedly offered payments to carry out sabotage and other attacks against their own country. His actual name has been changed to protect his anonymity.

His instructions involved setting up a phone to live-stream the scene for remote detonation. However, the operation was foiled by Ukraine's SBU (Security Service), and now Vlad, now 18, faces terrorism charges that could lead to a 12-year prison sentence.

Sitting in Rivne's detention center, he reflects on his actions, admitting he could have ended a life. I thought: Well, I'll be like everyone else. Nobody likes conscription officers admits the enlistment of minors has alarming implications, with the SBU noting over 800 Ukrainians have been identified as having been recruited — with 240 of those minors, some merely 11 years old.

Andriy Nebytov, Deputy Head of Ukraine's National Police, emphasizes the exploitation of vulnerable teenagers, stating, Children do not always fully realise the consequences of their actions. The recruitment is primarily through Telegram, but also extends to platforms like TikTok and gaming sites, luring participants with the promise of financial rewards rather than ideological commitments.

Examples of activities urged include bomb-making and attacks against military recruitment centers. Vlad's experience is a cautionary tale; after he was initially hesitant, he found himself performing increasingly dangerous tasks — all for a fraction of the promised rewards.

The recruitment channels tap into existing frustrations amongst Ukrainians regarding conscription, amplifying sentiments of anger without overt pro-Russian rhetoric. Despite efforts to eradicate these dangerous channels, many remain active, even growing in numbers since the initiation of the investigation.

In summary, it's essential to recognize the significant risk for minors being manipulated into participating in sabotage that can lead to more than just legal repercussions but could also cost innocent lives. The reality is grim, and for those who dare to tread such paths, the consequences can be dire. It's not worth it, warns Vlad, reminding others of the risks of falling prey to such deceivers with hollow promises.