Russian special services are changing their tactics of subversive activities in Ukraine. As the spokesman for the Security Service of Ukraine, Artem Dekhtyarenko, reported during a telethon, the FSB is now actively recruiting citizens with promises of financial rewards, but after completing the task, it tries to eliminate the perpetrators themselves - so as not to pay and destroy witnesses.
This applies to both adults and minors — one in four people detained on suspicion of collaborating with the enemy is a teenager. According to the SBU, the youngest perpetrators are only 13 years old.
"When we purged the ranks of the so-called 'Zhduns,' there were almost no ideological guides left. Then the Russians switched to financial motivation," explains Dekhtyarenko.
However, the promised money is just a bait. The new scheme involves a recruited Ukrainian carrying out a task, such as arson, bombing, or other sabotage, and then an attempt is made to eliminate him by remotely detonating explosives or organizing an armed attack.
According to the spokesman, the enemy is currently focusing on blowing up administrative facilities, railway infrastructure, and cars. Often, when the explosive is planted, the perpetrator is still nearby - at this very moment, it can be detonated remotely.
At the same time, vulnerable social groups are also being targeted. According to official statistics, among those recruited:
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22% are minors;
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55% are unemployed;
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7% have previous convictions;
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A significant proportion are people with addictions (drug, alcohol, gambling).
Most often, crimes are classified as terrorist acts, which are punishable by up to 15 years in prison or life imprisonment. Criminal liability for terrorist activities begins at the age of 14.
