National Police investigate deaths of 22 soldiers recruited via messengers

Russian curators are actively using messengers to find perpetrators of crimes against Ukrainian military personnel. This was stated by the acting head of the National Police, Maxim Tutskiridze.

Methods of recruiting youth

According to the police chief, the enemy is specifically searching among Ukrainian youth for individuals willing to kill a defender. Financial rewards are offered as an incentive. For example, a 19-year-old boy agreed to kill a soldier for 5,000 hryvnia. Among those recruited are minors: two schoolgirls were promised 5,000 US dollars for committing the crime.

In addition to financial temptation, drugs and blackmail are used for recruitment. In some cases, criminals administered methadone to soldiers using postal delivery, hiding spots, or concealing the substance in gifts.

Cases have also been recorded where criminals may pose as girls, using other people's photographs to establish trusting contacts with military personnel.

Investigation statistics

This year, the police opened 20 criminal proceedings related to the deaths of military personnel. The incidents occurred in eight regions and Kyiv. Currently, investigators are establishing the circumstances of the deaths of 22 defenders.