Methadone Poisoning Used in Targeted Killings of Ukrainian Soldiers: Six Deaths Linked to Russian-Run Recruitment Scheme.
Deadly Plot Targets Ukrainian Troops
According to Novyny.live: A disturbing pattern of assassinations has emerged as Russian handlers recruit young Ukrainian women to lure and poison soldiers fighting for Ukraine. The victims are invited to rented apartments, where they are given lethal doses of methadone. Since the beginning of 2026, law enforcement has documented six such murders, sparking alarm within both the military and the broader public.
According to Ukraine's National Police, six premeditated contract killings have been recorded this year. In one case, authorities managed to prevent a murder, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat this type of crime. In the Zhytomyr region, a 17-year-old girl was arrested for her role in the killing of a serviceman, underscoring the recruitment of young people into these criminal networks.
Financial Incentives and Police Response
In Kharkiv, two underage girls agreed to carry out criminal assignments in exchange for payments of up to $100,000 USD. This reveals that financial gain is a primary driver for young people becoming involved in such plots. Ukraine's Prosecutor General, Ruslan Kravchenko, announced the dismantling of a large criminal network in February 2026, demonstrating the severity of the threat.
Ivan Vyhivskyi, a representative of the National Police, stated:
“Since the start of 2026 alone, the National Police has recorded six instances of premeditated contract killings.”He also stressed the gravity of the consequences, adding:
“No promise of reward exempts anyone from criminal liability.”Vyhivskyi urged parents to closely monitor their children's activities, as involving youth in such dangerous crimes carries severe repercussions not only for the victims but also for the perpetrators themselves.
The situation remains tense, and law enforcement agencies are actively working to identify and dismantle similar criminal schemes, aiming to reduce violence and protect Ukrainian soldiers.
This case highlights the serious threat faced by Ukrainian military personnel amid the hybrid war waged against Ukraine. The use of young recruits marks a new tactic by the enemy to destabilize the country. While authorities continue to take countermeasures, public awareness of these risks and their consequences remains critical.
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