Russia Orchestrates School Shooting, Bombing in Ukraine by Recruiting Vulnerable Teens, Ukraine Says

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said it had foiled multiple planned school attacks by minors allegedly recruited by Russian operatives via social media. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied An officer (left) from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) standing alongside a teen suspect (right) who was reportedly preparing a school attack in Ukraine. (Photo by the SBU) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The Security Service of Ukraine ( SBU ) said it had prevented a series of planned attacks targeting schools in central and southern regions that involved minors who were allegedly recruited by Russian operatives. The SBU and the National Police said two local school students were identified in the Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, where they were allegedly preparing attacks on their own schools. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to the SBU’s Thursday press release , the minors were recruited through Telegram and TikTok channels used by Russian intelligence to target young people. One such channel, identified as “ETERSSA,” was described as part of a broader effort to systematically recruit Ukrainian minors. Authorities said recruiters used psychological manipulation, including promises of achieving “justice,” protecting relatives, or punishing alleged wrongdoing, to draw the students into criminal activity. In the Kirovohrad region, a 15-year-old student was allegedly instructed to assemble an improvised explosive device (IED) using commonly available materials. The plan, according to the SBU, involved detonating the device inside his school during a break between classes. The agency said he was also instructed to bring a firearm and a knife to attack survivors after the explosion. The SBU said it intervened before the attacks and documented the suspect’s communication with his Russian handler. During a search, authorities recovered an IED, components used to build it, a firearm, and digital evidence. Other Topics of Interest Budanov: Ukraine Not Losing War but Needs AI Breakthrough to Win Drone Race The head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office said the country is not losing the war but needs an AI-driven technological leap to stay ahead in the escalating drone race with Russia. In a separate case in the Odesa region, another student was identified at the recruitment stage. Authorities said Russian operatives had planned to send him a package containing a firearm and a knife, allegedly intended for use in an attack on fellow students. The agency said the minors were also encouraged to take their own lives afterward in what it described as Russia’s attempt to eliminate witnesses. The 15-year-old suspect in the Kirovohrad region has been served a notice of suspicion – a legal step in Ukraine preceding formal charges – for plotting a terrorist act. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property. The SBU said the investigation is ongoing. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.