Civilians, including teenagers, can be pulled into dangerous roles, sometimes willingly, sometimes not.
In Ukraine, where the war with Russia has reached deep into everyday life, cases like this have become alarmingly common.
This week, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) arrested a 16-year-old girl in Chernihiv, accusing her of working as a spy for Russian military intelligence.
The teenager allegedly scouted and documented strategic sites in and around the city. These included air defense systems and radar stations, according to WP.
Helped Prepare Future Airstrike
Using a camera, she took photographs and compiled reports filled with detailed observations.
Authorities say she sent the information through an anonymous chat platform to a handler linked to the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency.
The intelligence she provided, investigators believe, was meant to prepare the region for a future airstrike.
The girl is now in custody, charged with treason. If convicted, she could face life imprisonment.
Her case isn’t unique. On Thursday, Ukrainian authorities detained five more people accused of working on behalf of Russian intelligence.
These individuals, described by officials as a mix of repeat offenders and unemployed citizens, were allegedly recruited through Telegram channels.
Their tasks, Ukrainian officials say, included trying to destroy two military vehicles and an administrative building using incendiary devices.
Russian intelligence agencies appear to be targeting vulnerable individuals, offering them financial incentives to carry out high-risk operations.
The use of teenagers and others with little formal connection to military or governmental structures reflects an evolving strategy aimed at destabilizing Ukraine from within.
