Ukraine detains 16-year-old girl on treason charges for aiding Russia

Ukrainian authorities have detained a 16-year-old girl accused of aiding Russia in coordinating an airstrike on the northern Chernigiv region, the country’s Security Service (SBU) said on Wednesday. The minor has been charged with high treason and is currently in custody.

According to the SBU, the girl was tasked by Moscow to gather and relay information on the locations of air defence systems in Chernigiv, a region bordering Belarus, a Russian ally. She reportedly conducted reconnaissance during taxi rides and shared sensitive details via encrypted messenger apps.

The agency stated that she was apprehended while photographing a defence facility. “The SBU seized a mobile phone with evidence of intelligence and subversive activities in favour of Russia,” the statement said.

While Ukraine has initiated thousands of investigations into alleged collaborators with Russian forces since the invasion began in February 2022, cases involving minors remain uncommon.

In a separate operation, the SBU reported the arrest of six individuals in Kyiv and Mykolaiv. These suspects are accused of carrying out sabotage and arson attacks on railway and energy infrastructure for Russia.

The arrests underscore Ukraine’s intensified efforts to combat internal threats and alleged espionage activities amidst ongoing conflict.
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