Russian intelligence has tried to recruit Ukrainians by posing as Ukrainian law enforcement officers, according to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) on Friday. The SBU said Russian operatives impersonate officers from the SBU, the National Police, and other Ukrainian agencies to pressure civilians into committing crimes, including arson, sabotage, and terrorist attacks.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “In 2026 alone, the Security Service and the National Police have uncovered dozens of such recruitment attempts,” the agency said on Telegram. The SBU said Russian operatives typically contact potential targets by phone or messaging apps, using stolen personal data, including information obtained from online store customer databases. Victims assigned with tasks Victims are often threatened with fabricated criminal charges, like allegedly purchasing medical products from Russian websites. The operatives then offer to “help” close the fake case in exchange for carrying out tasks. According to the agency, one common tactic involves sending fake summonses for questioning, allegedly issued by the SBU and bearing forged signatures of senior officials to make them appear authentic. After gaining trust or applying pressure, recruiters assign illegal tasks ranging from surveillance and package deliveries to purchasing chemical components for improvised explosives, setting fire to military vehicles or government buildings, and preparing acts of sabotage or terrorism.
Russian Operatives Pose as Ukrainian Authorities to Blackmail Locals Into Espionage, Kyiv Says
Ukraine said Russia often uses fake summonses to blackmail civilians into burning cars and administrative buildings after posing as Ukrainian officials.
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