FSB Used Fake Female Profiles to Lure and Kill Ukrainian Soldiers

Ukrainian security services uncovered and disrupted an FSB operation in Zaporizhzhia region in which two Ukrainian civilians were recruited to identify and facilitate the killing of Ukrainian soldiers. The suspects created fake female social media accounts to befriend soldiers and extract their location and personal data, then pass that information to FSB handlers who would arrange ambushes or targeted killings.

The Scheme

According to prosecutors, the two accused residents of Zaporizhzhia region were promised 120,000 hryvnias — approximately $2,900 — for each Ukrainian soldier killed as a direct result of their intelligence work. The operation exploited the human desire for connection during wartime, using attractive female personas to gain the trust of frontline fighters.

Charges Filed

Both individuals have been formally charged with high treason and are facing trials under Ukrainian law. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences. Security services noted this scheme is part of a broader FSB effort to use social engineering against Ukrainian military personnel.

Ukrainian counterintelligence has warned servicemembers to be cautious about sharing location data or unit information with new online contacts, regardless of apparent identity.