14-year-old girl in Rivne charged with killing Ukrainian soldier for Russian handler

Police in the Rivne region have detained a 14-year-old girl accused of murdering a 27-year-old Ukrainian soldier. The prosecution alleges she was recruited by a Russian contact she met on Telegram, who promised to help her reach Russian-controlled areas. After befriending the soldier via a messenger app, she prepared an alcoholic beverage laced with metadone, rendering him unconscious.

During a subsequent video call with the Russian intermediary, she strangled the victim, leading to death by mechanical asphyxiation. Authorities have identified additional individuals they claim organized the plot and have charged the girl with premeditated murder on command. She remains in pre-trial detention and faces a possible 15-year prison term.