The Security Service of Ukraine has launched a new phase of a nationwide information campaign to counter the recruitment of Ukrainians by the russian intelligence services. We aim to warn the public about the methods used by the enemy to lure citizens into committing crimes such as arson, sabotage and terrorist attacks against Ukraine.

Recruitment usually begins with an ordinary message on social media or a messaging app. The russian intelligence services are increasingly resorting to psychological manipulation. They pose as an employer, a volunteer or a law enforcement officer and use dating sites to gain your trust.

This is precisely why the campaign’s key message is: ‘The FSB will become anyone to turn you into a traitor.' Four illustrated examples show the most common recruitment scenarios used by hostile intelligence services.

In 2026 alone, the SSU recorded over 300 acts of sabotage and terrorism perpetrated by russia. The SSU and the National Police solved 249 of these cases and prevented 84.

The SSU urges citizens to be particularly vigilant regarding any suspicious messages from strangers. You must report to the law enforcement agencies immediately if the person you are speaking to offers you ‘easy money’ or asks you to carry out a dubious task, such as delivering an unknown parcel, photographing a building, buying certain materials from a construction store or passing information.

Call the SSU’s freephone number 1516 or message the official Telegram chatbot Burn the FSB-man (t.me/spaly_fsb_bot).

Reporting an attempted recruitment in good time, before a crime is committed, is the best way to thwart the enemy’s plans. Information from members of the public helps expose agents of russian intelligence, foil acts of sabotage, and protect Ukrainian lives.