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Child recruited by Russian special services: how to recognize and what to do

Recently, the media has been reporting frequently on the recruitment of Ukrainian children by Russian special services to commit illegal acts. Unfortunately, minors do not always understand the consequences of their actions and as a result may be imprisoned for a long time. The Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have developed guidelines for parents and educators to recognize the signs of child recruitment, Komersant ukrainskyi reports

Reasons why children agree to offenses

In an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, the head of juvenile prevention at the National Police of Ukraine, Vasyl Bohdan, said that after talking to recruited children, three main reasons for their actions can be identified:

• Material gain – children are promised a lot of money for completing tasks, but the reality is criminal liability or tragic consequences.
• Psychological influence – recruiters use manipulative techniques to create the illusion that the “tasks” are important.
• Blackmail – if a child refuses to take further action, he or she may be threatened with disclosure of tasks already completed.

Criminal liability: from 5 years to life imprisonment

According to the Education Ombudsman, children’s “tricks” in favor of the enemy have serious consequences. According to the Criminal Code of Ukraine, minors under the age of 14 are liable for:

• Sabotage (Article 113) – up to 15 years or life imprisonment.
• Terrorist act (Article 258) – from 5 to 10 years.
• Intentional destruction of property (Article 194) – from 3 to 10 years.

From the age of 16, articles for treason (Article 111) or obstruction of the Armed Forces (Article 114-1) are added.

“Arson attacks on cars belonging to military personnel or the Armed Forces of Ukraine, explosions in government institutions or their mining are qualified as crimes under a number of articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine,” law enforcement officials warn.

As part of the joint Safe School program implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, recommendations have been developed for parents and educators to protect teenagers from being recruited by the enemy.

Signs to look out for:

• Finances and property: the child has expensive things, gadgets or money that he or she cannot explain the origin of.
• Behavioral changes: The child suddenly becomes withdrawn, spends more time on social media, and avoids talking to adults about their online life.
• Interests: sudden interest in military affairs, politics, and critical infrastructure.
• Connections: new acquaintances who may encourage illegal activities.
• Talks about earnings: belief in “easy money” via the Internet or strangers.

Recommendations for parents:

• Control and observation: be attentive to how the child spends time on the Internet, what messengers and social networks they use, and be interested in their new acquaintances, especially online.
• Open communication: Maintain a trusting relationship with your child, be interested in his or her hobbies and social circle to identify threats in time
• Financial literacy: Explain that “easy money” is often a scam and can have serious consequences. And participation in illegal activities always entails punishment, including imprisonment.
• Digital safety: teach your child to be careful on social media, not to publish personal information, use privacy settings, and avoid contact with strangers. Teach them to recognize fakes and manipulations.
• Legal awareness: talk about the responsibility for crimes, in particular under martial law. Emphasize that sabotage (Article 113 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) is punishable by up to 15 years in prison or life imprisonment. In addition, parents may also be held liable.
• Recognizing manipulation: Tell your child about the concept of recruitment and the risks involved. Explain what information is classified and what the consequences of disclosing it may be. Teach children to be critical of offers of quick money and “simple” tasks.

Recommendations for educators:

• Information security: conduct classes on media literacy, critical thinking, safe behavior in social networks and messengers.
• Preventing recruitment: inform students about recruitment methods, risks, and legal consequences for sabotage. Talk about the vulnerability of adolescents to manipulation due to the desire for financial independence.
• Patriotic education: form children’s values, national consciousness and responsibility for their actions.
• Observation and response: pay attention to changes in student behavior, suspicious acquaintances, and the appearance of money or new things without explanation.
• Trust and support: Create a safe space where students can freely report any suspicious situations or suggestions.
• Interaction with parents and law enforcement: If signs of recruitment are detected, immediately inform parents and relevant authorities.

Resources to help counter disinformation

Cyber and recruitment threats can be detected by various governmental and non-governmental organizations that specialize in security and countering information and physical threats. In this context, it is worth mentioning some resources that anyone can use to help block Telegram and YouTube channels, Facebook groups, and Instagram profiles that spread disinformation and are used to commit illegal activities and fraud.

• TheBrama Telegram channel provides daily information on blocking various social media accounts. It also contains information on how to protect yourself and your social media page from certain fraudulent methods.
• The StopRussia | MRIYA channel is the main instruction and communication tool for blocking subscribers, as well as a platform that provides daily and systematic online tasks for subscribers, up-to-date news and fresh information, including educational materials on cyber hygiene and fraud prevention.
• The StopRussia | MRIYA bot receives information about fake resources, which are checked by moderators and sent to the Telegram channel for blocking. In the “Send a complaint about a resource” section, anyone can join the blocking of the occupier’s resources.
• The SBU chatbot “Find a Traitor ” – it can be used to send information about people who cooperate with Russian invaders, about Internet agents who pass information to the enemy or spread content in its support.
• Thechatbot “Burn the FSB”, which we mentioned above and which can be used to report cases of recruitment by Russian special services to prevent arson, sabotage, and terrorist attacks.