In Ukraine, which is at war with the Russian Federation, patriotism has become an integral part of the consciousness of many citizens. Together with adults, young children help the military, volunteer, weave nets, and collect funds for the army. But among Ukrainian children there are also those who, by their actions, demonstrate radically opposite values. The events in Kharkiv, where two teenagers became perpetrators of terrorist acts, once again prove that war has not only a frontal, but also a moral side. Sometimes the enemy penetrates the hearts of even the youngest, using their inexperience and desire for easy money.
Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported, that two minors, a boy and a girl, who committed terrorist acts near police units, were detained. Their actions could have resulted in numerous victims, but fortunately, there were no casualties. However, the story itself does not leave anyone indifferent: who and how managed to turn 15-year-old teenagers into perpetrators of a crime that equates to terror?
Explosions near police stations
On December 8, an explosion occurred near the Slobid district police department in Kharkiv. The next day, almost at the same time, a similar event happened again near Kholodnohirsky district. In two cases, explosive devices were planted in garbage containers near administrative buildings. As a result of the amazing coincidence of circumstances, no one was injured, although the organizers planned a much more destructive effect.
The law enforcement officers quickly established that the explosives were homemade and activated remotely. Suspicion fell on two young residents of Kharkiv – a 15-year-old boy and a girl of the same age.
Path to crime: Telegram channel and “easy money”
According to the investigation, the teenagers found an ad in the Telegram channel offering “quick and easy earnings.” They were contacted by unknown “employers” who gave instructions via video link. For the conspiracy, the curators did not turn on the camera, but carefully monitored every step of the performers.
The boy, according to their instructions, made explosives. He received a detailed algorithm on how to assemble the device, and even supplemented it with metal balls to increase the damage. The girl, in her turn, took ready-made explosives from the cache and fulfilled “her task”. They acted separately, unaware that they were carrying out parts of the same plan.
Both teenagers not only planted explosives near police stations, but also secretly installed mobile phones to film the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. This would allow the “employers” to detonate the devices at the most crowded moment to cause maximum damage.
Quick detention and escape to Kyiv
The girl was the first to be detained. After that, the “curators” ordered the boy to immediately flee to Kyiv. SBU operatives detained him in the capital after a few days.
The court chose a preventive measure for both minors — detention without bail. At the same time, law enforcement officers continue to investigate who is behind the organization of these terrorist attacks. There is reason to believe that the curators were representatives of the Russian special services.
This story is not only a criminal chronicle, but also an alarming signal for all Ukrainians. The use of teenagers in criminal schemes is part of the hybrid war that Russia is waging against Ukraine. Manipulating the youth through social networks, the enemy is trying to destroy from the inside the society that is holding on so firmly against the external aggressor.
In addition, it is a reminder to parents, teachers and anyone who works with young people that inexperience and the desire for quick success can leave children vulnerable to the influence of criminals. Ukrainian teenagers must understand the value of their country and their future in order to become not victims of manipulation, but conscious citizens who choose the path of patriotism and goodness.
