Teenager Who Shot at School in Zakarpattia on April 16 Was Recruited by Russia via Online Games

A teenager who carried out a shooting on April 16 at an educational institution in the Uzhhorod district of Zakarpattia Oblast was recruited by Russian special services through online games. This was reported by Myroslav Biletskyi, head of the Zakarpattia Oblast Military Administration.

According to Biletskyi, the enemy does not shy away from any methods of fighting the Ukrainian people, using even children for their criminal intentions. He noted that two high-profile cases are known in Zakarpattia. One was prevented at a school in Bushtyno village, where a student tried to bring a knife and planned to harm classmates. The other incident occurred a few days ago in Chop, where a teenager carried out a shooting. Casualties were avoided, but the minor faces life imprisonment.

In both situations, according to Biletskyi, Russian special services acted through online games. The head of the OVA emphasized that enemy special services study their victims, seek leverage, intimidate, and push children into crimes. In this regard, during an online meeting with representatives of the National Police, SBU, patrol police, territorial communities, local education departments, and child services, it was urged to hold parent-teacher meetings in the region's schools with the participation of law enforcement officers.

At such meetings, Biletskyi stated, it is necessary to explain how Russians wage cyber warfare involving underage Ukrainians and how to timely recognize psychological pressure on children. He also reported that security officers are already working in several schools in Zakarpattia, and frame or handheld metal detectors have been installed. On April 16, the police reported that a student fired shots and wounded a classmate at an educational institution in the Uzhhorod district. Subsequently, the police released video from the body cameras of patrol officers who detained the minor for the shooting.