Ukrainian Children Lured into Sabotage Plots Through Telegram
A 17-year-old Ukrainian boy, “Vlad,” (name changed to protect his anonymity) travelled hundreds of miles to plant a bomb after being recruited on Telegram by a handler he believed was Russian. He was promised $2,000 but was instead caught by Ukraine’s SBU security service and now faces up to 12 years in prison.
Ukrainian authorities say he is one of more than 240 children recruited in the past two years, some as young as 11, with attempts to target children aged 9–10.
Officials warn that Russia-linked operatives deliberately seek out vulnerable young people online, offering money to carry out arson, bombings, and other attacks. Recruitment happens through Telegram, TikTok, and even gaming platforms, often disguised as “remote work.”
Cyber experts say children rarely understand the consequences. Meanwhile, recruitment channels continue to grow despite reports to Telegram. Some teens have died while transporting explosives, and police say handlers sometimes detonate devices remotely, knowing the child will be killed.
As Vlad awaits trial, he warns others: “It’s not worth it… You’ll end up in prison, or the bomb will kill you.”
This story highlights a core protection under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: children must not be exploited or drawn into criminal activity, especially during conflict.
When children are manipulated into harmful acts, they must be treated primarily as affected children in need of protection and rehabilitation, not just offenders.
