(MENAFN) Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused Ukrainian intelligence agencies of coercing Russian citizens — including elderly women — into carrying out suicide attacks. In a statement on Monday, the FSB said at least five people had been targeted in recent plots.

According to the agency, Kiev operatives contacted the women via Telegram and WhatsApp, posing as Russian law enforcement officers. Using scams and psychological manipulation, they allegedly stole the victims’ savings — including bank deposits and property sale proceeds — and then lured them into “helping” recover the funds.

The women were reportedly instructed to monitor the homes and vehicles of Russian military personnel, store improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from hidden caches, and deliver them — disguised as household goods — directly to service members, effectively turning them into “human bombs.”

The FSB urged families of elderly or socially isolated individuals, as well as minors, to educate them about scams and the dangers of being drawn into criminal or terrorist schemes. It reiterated that legitimate Russian authorities never request transfers to “safe accounts” or demand handing cash to couriers.

The warning comes amid broader concerns over extremist content on messaging platforms. Russian lawmakers have threatened to ban Telegram over noncompliance with domestic data storage laws, and Moscow is pushing for “digital sovereignty.” As part of this effort, VK — Russia’s largest social media platform — is developing “Max,” a multifunction national messaging service modeled after China’s WeChat.

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