Russian Intelligence Recruited Two Ukrainian Teenagers in Ivano-Frankivsk on Suicide Mission

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have identified the circumstances and perpetrators behind the terrorist attack carried out by Russia in downtown Ivano-Frankivsk on March 11, SBU reported on March 12.

According to available information, on the evening of March 11, the Russian intelligence agency blew up two of its agents who were carrying an improvised explosive device (IED) near the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station.

The investigation revealed that the perpetrators were two local teenagers, aged 15 and 17, who had been recruited by Russia through Telegram channels offering “easy money” and were coerced into criminal activities.

As a result of the explosion, the 17-year-old was killed instantly, while his 15-year-old accomplice was hospitalized with severe injuries.

In exchange for promises of money, the teenagers followed instructions from a Russian handler to manufacture homemade explosives and assemble two IEDs disguised as thermoses.

Both devices were equipped with remotely controlled detonators and additional shrapnel elements, including metal nuts, to maximize damage.

Around 6:30 p.m. on March 11, the two teenagers were on their way to a designated location to plant one of the explosive devices. As they walked, Russia’s intelligence service, which was remotely tracking their movements via GPS, detonated the IED inside their bag.

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War in Ukraine

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SBU is set to formally charge the 15-year-old suspect under the following criminal articles: complicity in a terrorist act resulting in death; and illegal production of explosives and explosive devices in conspiracy with others. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Authorities are also reviewing the actions of two 15-year-old girls who were in the same group as the suspects during the preparation of the attack and may face legal consequences.

Previously, Russian intelligence attempted to turn a 15-year-old Ukrainian girl into a suicide bomber, forcing her to carry an explosive device into a police station in Chernihiv.