Ukraine investigates poisoning deaths of 23 service members; seven minor girls suspected
Ukrainian police are investigating the deliberate poisoning deaths of 23 Ukrainian service members, with seven minor girls suspected of acting under Russian intelligence instructions. Methadone was used in 13 poisoning cases. Four cases have reached court, while other investigations continue.
Key points
- Police are investigating 21 criminal proceedings concerning 23 service members who died after deliberate poisoning.
- Seven minor girls are among those suspected of acting on instructions from Russian intelligence services.
- Methadone was used in 13 poisoning cases.
- The youngest suspect was 14 years old when the alleged crime was committed.
- Prosecutors have approved indictments in four cases, which are now being heard in court.
- One case was transferred to another law enforcement agency, while other cases remain in pre-trial investigation.
- Reported recruitment methods include messengers such as Telegram, dating sites and other social networks.
Why it matters
The cases concern the deaths of 23 Ukrainian service members and alleged efforts by Russian intelligence to recruit children to carry out lethal attacks. The proceedings also highlight the reported risks of recruitment and targeting through messaging apps, dating sites and other social networks.
What happened
Ukrainian police said they were investigating 21 criminal proceedings connected with the poisoning deaths of 23 service members. Seven minor girls were among the suspects accused of acting on instructions from Russian intelligence. Methadone was used in 13 cases.
Prosecutors have approved indictments in four proceedings, and the cases are being heard in court. Another case was transferred to a different law enforcement agency. In the remaining proceedings, investigators are carrying out investigative measures and forensic examinations.
Earlier reports cited a 14-year-old resident of Rivne who allegedly mixed drugs into a service member's drink and then strangled him while in contact with a curator. The same report said the curator asked her to send a selfie with makeup to appear older and used her photographs to write to the service member. Law enforcement also reported the detention of a 17-year-old girl accused of helping the FSB poison Ukrainian service members.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting emphasizes the scale of the operation, the alleged involvement of minors and Russian intelligence direction, as well as the procedural stages reached by the investigations. Authorities and military officials warn against communicating with strangers in Telegram chats, dating groups and on dating sites, noting that recruitment and targeting have reportedly occurred through these channels.
Where reporting differs
Ukrainian sources disagree on the number of criminal proceedings linked to the 23 deaths, reporting either 21 or 20.
Background
Russian intelligence services were reported to recruit children through messengers, dating sites and other social networks. The youngest suspect was 14 years old at the time of the alleged crime. Earlier reports cited two deaths among service members at the time a 17-year-old girl was detained. One reported case involved a 14-year-old resident of Rivne allegedly mixing drugs into a service member's drink and then strangling him.