Russian Intelligence Uses Messaging Apps and Forums to Recruit Ukrainians for Terror Attacks

Ukraine law enforcement has warned citizens that Russian intelligence is actively recruiting Ukrainians for terrorist attacks via messaging apps and forums.

Russian intelligence uses messaging apps as recruiting platforms

A surge in terrorist attacks against postal facilities, police, and military centers in Ukraine has authorities concerned, as Russian interference is suspected.

According to recent reports, Russian intelligence services are using online forums and messaging apps to recruit Ukrainian citizens for terrorist attacks.

“Those who most often agree to collaborate are young people, the unemployed, or individuals leading an antisocial lifestyle,” according to a translated statement by the head of Ukraine’s national police, Ivan Vyhivskyi, on Wednesday. “However, instead of the promised money, the perpetrators face severe punishment, including life imprisonment.”

Russians previously spotted using Telegram for similar purposes

Although Vyhivskyi avoided naming the platforms where the recruitment messages were reportedly posted, the consensus seems to revolve around Telegram.

Russian threat actors have been previously spotted using Telegram to identify and entice individuals into carrying out state-sponsored malicious campaigns or spreading misinformation.

“The Russians continue their attempts to target Ukrainian security forces, engaging in both recruiting individuals to carry out crimes and spreading propaganda on Telegram channels,” Vyhivskyi said. “These channels highlight conflicts involving TCC & SP personnel with the intent of pushing pro-Russian narratives and destabilizing Ukrainian society.”

Minors exploited to hand out intel to Russian spies

In December, Ukrainian authorities exposed a Russian espionage campaign where perpetrators recruited Ukrainian teenagers and instructed them to conduct criminal activities masquerading as “quest games.”

For instance, perpetrators deceived teenagers into traveling to strategic locations, taking photos and videos and briefly describing specific objectives. The unsuspecting targets swiftly accepted, enticed by the prospect of making “easy money,” providing Russian intelligence with useful insight into these key locations.