Ukrainian authorities have detained a 16-year-old girl accused of assisting Russia in coordinating an airstrike on the northern Chernihiv region, the country’s Security Service (SBU) said on Wednesday. The minor has been charged with high treason and is currently in custody.
According to the SBU, the girl was tasked by Moscow to collect and disseminate information on the locations of air defense systems in Chernihiv, a region bordering Russian ally Belarus. He allegedly carried out reconnaissance during taxi rides and shared sensitive details through encrypted messenger apps.
The agency said he was caught while photographing a defense facility. “The SBU seized a mobile phone with evidence of intelligence and subversive activities in favor of Russia,” the statement said.
While Ukraine has launched thousands of investigations into alleged collaborators with the Russian military since the invasion began in February 2022, cases involving minors remain uncommon.
In a separate operation, the SBU reported the arrest of six individuals in Kyiv and Mykolaiv. The suspects are accused of carrying out sabotage and arson on railway and energy infrastructure for Russia.
The arrests underscore Ukraine’s intensified efforts to combat internal threats and alleged espionage activities amid the ongoing conflict.
