Ukrainian police arrested a 17-year-old girl in Zhytomyr on suspicion of packing and mailing lethal doses of methadone disguised as free drugs to Ukrainian soldiers, leading to two deaths, CBS News reported.
Sabotage Recruitment Through Encrypted Channels
The teenager allegedly communicated with Ukrainian soldiers via Telegram to execute the sabotage operation, according to police statements. Investigators state she received at least 5,000 hryvnias—equivalent to 111 US dollars—in exchange for fulfilling the directives of a Russian curator. After receiving packages containing what was marketed as free narcotics, the targeted soldiers were instructed to film them. Recipients remained unaware that the capsules contained lethal amounts of methadone. Two soldiers in the Zhytomyr region subsequently poisoned and died after consuming the substances.
Police Avert Four Killings in Wider Investigation
Authorities identified additional package recipients across the country, a step police stated averted four more killings. The young woman faces allegations of aiding and abetting premeditated murder committed through a prior conspiracy, alongside charges related to sending narcotics and psychotropic substances for distribution purposes. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison. Law enforcement agencies issued public warnings urging citizens to avoid consuming medications, unknown substances, or unverified food and drinks from unfamiliar individuals, highlighting ongoing Russian efforts to kill people and destabilize the country.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect Age | 17 years old |
| Location of Arrest | Zhytomyr, Ukraine |
| Alleged Payment | 5,000 hryvnias ($111 USD) |
| Substance Involved | Lethal dose of methadone |
| Confirmed Casualties | Two soldiers dead |
| Prevented Incidents | Four additional killings averted |
Since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian authorities have initiated thousands of investigations into collaboration with enemy forces, regularly arresting individuals accused of working on Moscow’s behalf. Past poisoning incidents linked by authorities to Russia include the 2023 poisoning of Marianna Budanova, wife of Kyrylo Budanov—then head of Ukraine’s military intelligence and currently a presidential advisor—alongside other intelligence personnel. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with the British tabloid The Sun that he has survived at least five or six assassination attempts since the invasion began.
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