A teenage Ukrainian has confessed to being recruited by Russian intelligence agents to carry out sabotage against his own country. He, along with hundreds of other children and teenagers, were allegedly lured into the scheme through online channels, including Telegram.
According to reports, Vlad, 17 at the time, was promised $2,000 (£1,520) for carrying out a bomb attack on a military recruitment centre. The teenager claims he was manipulated by a Russian agent who told him it was just a "remote job". He says he never intended to actually set off the bomb and that his main goal was to get paid.
The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of recruiting minors to carry out attacks in Ukraine, including arson and sabotage. In response, the Russian Embassy in London accused Ukraine of carrying out similar operations using Russian citizens.
Experts warn that social media platforms are vulnerable to being exploited by these types of schemes, which often use emotional manipulation and financial incentives to recruit young people into such activities. Telegram, a popular messaging app, has confirmed it has removed several channels and accounts offering sabotage-related services, but many more remain active.
Vlad's story highlights the dangers of online recruitment for extremist activities and the need for vigilance from authorities, parents, and young people themselves. His message to others tempted by such recruiters is clear: "It's not worth it. They will either cheat you, and then you will end up in prison just like me, or you can take a bomb in your hands and it will simply blow you up."
According to reports, Vlad, 17 at the time, was promised $2,000 (£1,520) for carrying out a bomb attack on a military recruitment centre. The teenager claims he was manipulated by a Russian agent who told him it was just a "remote job". He says he never intended to actually set off the bomb and that his main goal was to get paid.
The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of recruiting minors to carry out attacks in Ukraine, including arson and sabotage. In response, the Russian Embassy in London accused Ukraine of carrying out similar operations using Russian citizens.
Experts warn that social media platforms are vulnerable to being exploited by these types of schemes, which often use emotional manipulation and financial incentives to recruit young people into such activities. Telegram, a popular messaging app, has confirmed it has removed several channels and accounts offering sabotage-related services, but many more remain active.
Vlad's story highlights the dangers of online recruitment for extremist activities and the need for vigilance from authorities, parents, and young people themselves. His message to others tempted by such recruiters is clear: "It's not worth it. They will either cheat you, and then you will end up in prison just like me, or you can take a bomb in your hands and it will simply blow you up."
This kid Vlad's story is a harsh reminder that social media isn't always what it seems 
. I mean, who wouldn't be tempted by a sweet deal of $2k for doing something that seems 'remote' 
? But the thing is, life doesn't work like that. Once you're in too deep, it's hard to get out, and trust me, you don't wanna end up in a situation where your whole future is on the line 
.
. There are hundreds of other kids like Vlad who've been lured into these schemes, and it's all because of emotional manipulation and financial incentives 
. It's like they say, 'you can't buy happiness' 
, but you sure can try to manipulate people into doing bad things for cash 
.
. We need to be aware of these schemes and not fall for them 
. Remember, the grass isn't always greener on the other side 
. Stay smart, stay safe, and always keep your wits about you 
!
️ its like, these social media platforms gotta step up their game & keep track of what's going on in these channels & accounts 
telegram needs to be more strict about this stuff ASAP! 
2k 
... anyway, it's a wake-up call for us all to stay vigilant & look out for each other 
And the Ukrainian government is accusing Russia, but have you seen the stuff the US does in other countries? It's all about playing both sides against each other. This whole thing reeks of a big conspiracy... 
. And honestly, how many more kids have been pulled into this game before Vlad stepped forward? We need to be super vigilant and make sure our youth are protected from these kinds of schemes 
.
And social media platforms have to step up their game too, you know? They can't just keep letting these channels and accounts run wild without consequences.
It's better late than never, right? 