Russia Recruits Teenagers for Terrorist Attack in Mykolaiv, Killing Three Ukrainian Servicemen

Ukrainian law enforcement has detained four teenagers suspected of carrying out a terrorist attack in Mykolaiv, which resulted in the deaths of three servicemembers. According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police, the suspects, aged 14 to 17, were recruited by Russian intelligence services through an online messaging platform.

The explosion occurred on February 14 near a public catering establishment in Mykolaiv. According to investigators, the perpetrators assembled an improvised explosive device, placed it in a backpack, and handed it to a 42-year-old woman, who was also a resident of Poltava region. She was instructed to deliver the package under the pretense of transferring a large sum of money.

The woman arrived in Mykolaiv with her underage son and remained in contact with Russian handlers. She was directed to approach a group of Ukrainian servicemembers, at which point the explosive device was detonated remotely via a mobile phone signal. The blast killed the woman and three military personnel, while seven others sustained injuries of varying severity.

Within 24 hours, law enforcement identified and detained four teenage suspects in their home region. During searches, officers recovered mobile phones containing evidence of communication with Russian intelligence operatives, as well as materials used to construct explosive devices.

The detainees have been charged under Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (terrorist act committed by a group of persons resulting in fatalities). If convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison.

Authorities have emphasized that Russian intelligence agencies continue to exploit vulnerable individuals, including minors, for operations on Ukrainian territory.

Earlier, investigations by Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation revealed Russia’s systematic efforts to militarize Ukrainian children in occupied territories. Through organizations like Yunarmia and DOSAAF, the Kremlin has recruited minors, replacing education with ideological indoctrination and military training.

Many, such as those from Crimea and Donetsk, were integrated into Russian forces, later dying in combat against their own country. Ukraine continues efforts to rescue and rehabilitate these children while seeking international accountability for Russia’s violations of human rights and international law.