Russia Poses as Ukraine’s Security Service to Recruit Ukrainians for Terror Attacks

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.

“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.

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In some cases, victims are also extorted for money. Russian handlers demand payments to allegedly avoid prosecution, instructing targets to transfer funds to specified accounts or hand over cash to couriers under the pretense of “verification.”

In its press release, the SBU cautioned locals that it operates within the confines of the law, does not assign suspicious tasks to civilians, and does not send official documents through messaging apps.

The agency urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious contacts, objects, individuals, or online accounts linked to Russian recruitment efforts.