UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Jul. 8 — Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine, prosecutors have recorded 44 cases of Russian special services recruiting children in the Kharkiv oblast, said Yurii Papusha, head of Kharkiv regional Prosecutor’s Office, in an interview for Urkinform.

According to Papusha, Russians recruit children using social networks, messengers, and Telegram channels to gather intelligence or carry out acts of sabotage in Ukraine.

Also, the police said that Russian special services recruit children through online games, masking their criminal assignments as “quests” or “in-game missions.”

In recent years, the Prosecutor’s Office has reported that, in 2024, the Russians recruited 15 boys and four girls, and in 2025 — 14 boys and five girls.

“In 2026, prosecutors have already identified three boys and three girls recruited by Russia,” said Papusha.

The prosecutor added that the Russians use fake accounts, pose as peers, and employ psychological influence, manipulation, and pro-Russian content to get children to complete tasks. They also might offer quick money for it. 

“At first, (assignments) might involve photographing certain objects, painting graffiti, spreading flyers, or setting fire to properties. But then the tasks gradually become more complex and dangerous,” noted Papusha.

Now, 18 boys and three girls have been found guilty for collaboration with Russian special services.

Law enforcement agencies are also trying to identify the organizers, curators, and coordinators involved in the recruitment of children. That’s difficult to do, Papusha said, because recruiters use anonymous accounts, multi-level communication channels, and foreign digital platforms.

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