Ukraine: Russia Recruits Teens as 'Bombers' via Telegram

Russia is reportedly recruiting teenagers in Ukraine via Telegram, offering payments of up to $1,000 to become human bombs. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is warning about this tactic.

According to the Guardian, Oleg, 19, was recruited via Telegram to place a backpack with explosives outside a police station in Rivne. He was promised $1,000 for the 'mission'. Oleg and his friend, Sergei, received $200 in cryptocurrency for expenses.

Oleg opened the backpack and discovered it contained explosives. He notified the police, who arrested him. The SBU had been monitoring Oleg and Sergei's movements.

A few days earlier, a 21-year-old was killed in Rivne by a similar bomb, and eight soldiers were injured. Oleg's bomb contained screws and nails for maximum damage. The SBU prevented the explosion.