The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) warned on Tuesday, Aug. 4, that Russian intelligence services have significantly intensified efforts to assassinate Ukrainian soldiers using “honey traps” – attempts to kill military personnel through fake online dating encounters.The SBU’s military counterintelligence unit said it has foiled more than 50 such assassination attempts since the start of 2026.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.How the honey traps workTo lure soldiers into “honey traps,” Russian operatives primarily use dating websites and themed messenger chats, the SBU said. Enemy agents use fake accounts on these platforms to offer soldiers romantic relationships.Russian intelligence then arranges meetings with the soldiers, inviting them to pre-prepared locations for assassination.The most common method is improvised explosive devices planted at the site of the planned attack. Russian operatives also use deadly poisons synthesized from narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other chemicals.Poison in medicine, methadone in a bottleIn March 2025, an FSB agent was detained in Kharkiv region after she handed a Ukrainian soldier medicine and food products laced with poison under the guise of “volunteer” assistance.In another case, a Russian agent sent a Ukrainian soldier a bottle containing a drink laced with a lethal dose of methadone. She then suggested he drink the “gift” during an online video date.SBU operatives intercepted the package before the soldier received it. A chemical analysis confirmed the presence of poisonous substances that could have caused death.