Ukraine Police Report Over 130 Russian Recruitment Attempts Targeting Minors

What Happened

The National Police of Ukraine has received over 130 reports from children and parents about attempts by Russian intelligence services to recruit minors. Andrii Niebytov, Deputy Chief of the National Police, shared these details during a televised update.

The reports reveal a troubling strategy by Russian agencies to involve young people in activities related to terrorism and sabotage. In response, police have launched a media campaign to educate parents and children on the risks of recruitment, especially through online platforms.

Key Details

Niebytov stressed the need for awareness and preventive measures, stating that law enforcement is stepping up its efforts to protect vulnerable youth. Officers from juvenile and patrol units are now assigned to schools to prevent children from being drawn into criminal activities orchestrated by Russian operatives.

The goal is to create a support system ensuring children's safety in educational settings. The threat is serious, as the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) previously identified a minor involved in efforts to recruit residents in the Kirovohrad region for terrorist activities.

Background

The situation highlights the urgent need for vigilance against recruitment efforts targeting young people. In 2025, Ukrainian law enforcement recorded 61 acts of terrorism and sabotage, resolving 57 of those cases.

Authorities also prevented 27 planned crimes from being executed. These statistics underline the persistent threat from Russian intelligence and the challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting the nation from immediate and long-term risks.

As Ukrainian agencies work to strengthen their defenses against these malicious recruitment attempts, the emphasis remains on education, prevention, and accountability for those seeking to exploit the younger generation. Ensuring the safety of minors in Ukraine is essential as the country confronts these complex challenges.