Eighth-Grader in Zaporizhzhia Refused to Spy on Military and Set Cars on Fire: How He Was Honored

The Story of Yehor: Patriotism and Awareness

According to Главком: In Zaporizhzhia, a 14-year-old eighth-grade student named Yehor was approached by Russian handlers with an offer to spy on Ukrainian military personnel and torch vehicles. Choosing a patriotic stance, the teenager reported the situation to law enforcement. For this act, he received recognition from representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the patrol police.

Yehor received a message from an unknown account, in which the Russians offered money for information on the whereabouts of Territorial Center for Recruitment (TCC) staff and their means of transport. Additionally, they incited him to set cars on fire. The teen took a screenshot of the correspondence and showed it to his mother. Authorities noted that thanks to Yehor's actions, a serious crime was prevented.

Reward for Awareness and Caution

For his awareness and patriotic position, Yehor received commemorative souvenirs, and patrol officers arranged a ride for him in a service vehicle. It is worth noting that for a range of crimes against national security, liability begins at age 14. This underscores the importance of caution when receiving dubious offers, especially for young people.

Security services remind that the enemy often manipulates teenagers by assuring them that due to their young age, they face no consequences. Therefore, if you or your loved ones receive suspicious offers from strangers online, immediately contact law enforcement or call the SBU hotline at the short number 1516. This case also highlights how crucial it is to stay vigilant and cautious amid modern challenges.

'My first thought was to tell my parents, and then figure it out with them. The idea of making money never crossed my mind.' Yehor

This incident illustrates the importance of an active civic stance among youth in the context of modern warfare. Yehor's actions can serve as an example for other teenagers, showing that even at a young age, one can stand up to threats to national security. Cooperating with law enforcement in such situations can prevent serious crimes and save lives.