Kathrine Frich
Sources describe the approach as increasingly brutal and morally depraved, even by the standards of modern warfare.
Sources describe the approach as increasingly brutal and morally depraved, even by the standards of modern warfare.
In a disturbing new development in Russia’s war on Ukraine, reports suggest the Kremlin is deploying tactics reminiscent of ISIS, recruiting teenagers and unsuspecting civilians for suicide missions.
Russia Accused of Copying ISIS Playbook
According to News Lines Magazine, Russian forces are now recruiting women and teenagers to carry out deadly missions, often without fully informing them of the risks.
The method mirrors ISIS, which notoriously used children and civilians as disposable tools in suicide attacks.
Deadly Deception in Mykolaiv
One March incident in the front-line city of Mykolaiv shows the danger.
Two teenagers were reportedly lured by Russian troops with promises of “easy money” to plant a device, unaware they were being used as disposable assets.
Ukrainian sources claim the plan was to remotely detonate the device once the teens reached their target.
‘This Is ISIS-Level Tactics’
Former CIA operative Ed Bogan, who has experience with both Russian and Islamist militant strategies, told the outlet:
“It’s al-Qaeda and ISIS-level tactics. There are no limits to what the Russians will do now.”
He warned that such methods mark a terrifying escalation in how far Moscow is willing to go to maintain pressure on Ukraine.
‘They See Them as One-Time Assets’
A Ukrainian intelligence officer confirmed the report, stating that Russia’s intelligence services have little regard for the lives of the people they exploit.
“Teenagers and young people are easier to recruit,” the officer said, adding that such missions are often disguised as harmless tasks or even “games.”
Woman Killed in Bombing Was Unwitting Pawn
On Valentine’s Day, a 42-year-old woman was reportedly instructed to deliver a bag to a location in Mykolaiv.
The bag exploded when she placed it down near Ukrainian soldiers, killing her and three troops.
Investigators believe she had no idea she was carrying a bomb. She was recruited via Telegram and is said to have had an infant child.
Kremlin’s Desperation on Full Display
Moscow’s adoption of tactics once associated with terrorist groups reveals a deepening desperation.
With conventional strategies faltering and casualties mounting, Russian intelligence appears to be expanding its use of disinformation and manipulation, not just on social media, but on the battlefield itself.