Russia Expands Use of Citizens—Including Children—as Disposable Terror Operatives
Russia’s evolving tactics: coercing Ukrainian civilians—including children—into unknowingly carrying explosives, then remotely detonating the devices, killing both the couriers and the intended targets. The incidents are later portrayed by Russian state media as successful counter-terrorism operations, falsely blaming the victims as “saboteurs.”
In March 2025, two teenagers in Ivano-Frankivsk region, aged 15 and 17, were approached through online messaging platforms with an offer of payment in exchange for delivering a parcel. According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the teenagers were unaware the package contained a bomb. While in transit, the device detonated—killing the 17-year-old and severely injuring the younger boy. Forensic analysis indicated that the bomb was detonated remotely.
In a separate incident in February, a Ukrainian woman in Mykolaiv was reportedly told to deliver a “money package” to a group of soldiers. After placing the package, it exploded, killing her and three Ukrainian military personnel from a demining team. Investigators later determined that the woman had not been informed of the true nature of the package and that the explosive was likely activated from a distance.
Authorities note that these incidents are not isolated. In occupied territories and frontline regions, Ukrainian civilians—particularly those from impoverished or vulnerable communities—are being targeted by individuals linked to Russian intelligence services. The method is consistent: identify a civilian, offer quick payment for a delivery, and trigger the bomb remotely once the individual is near the target.
Russian media outlets have used footage and selective details from these operations to claim that Ukrainian “saboteurs” were planning terrorist attacks. This narrative is then used to justify heightened crackdowns and surveillance in Russian-occupied areas or border regions. In many cases, no mention is made of the civilian’s background, age, or lack of informed involvement.
Legal experts and human rights organizations point out that using civilians—especially minors—as unknowing participants in military operations violates international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions. The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights has called for international monitoring and accountability mechanisms to investigate these violations.
The tactic also reflects a broader pattern of psychological warfare. By seeding fear and mistrust in Ukrainian communities, particularly in areas near the front or under partial occupation, Russian forces aim to destabilize civil society, deter cooperation with Ukrainian authorities, and delegitimize Ukrainian resistance.
Ukrainian officials confirm that several active investigations are underway. Evidence collected so far points to a deliberate and organized campaign, further escalating Russia’s documented use of hybrid and covert warfare tactics across Ukraine.