Zhytomyr teen held for soldier poisonings

Ukrainian police arrested a 17-year-old woman in Zhytomyr on Friday. Officers suspect she mailed lethal doses of methadone to six Ukrainian soldiers. Two of the recipients have died from the poison.

The suspect was not named in the announcement. Authorities say she operated under the direction of a Russian handler. She was promised at least 5,000 hryvnias, or roughly $111, for the operation.

According to a police statement, the teenager contacted soldiers through the Telegram app. She sent them parcels labeled as free drugs. The packages contained capsules with a lethal dose of methadone. Soldiers were told to take the medication on camera without knowing its contents.

Investigators stated that two soldiers died in the Zhytomyr region. Officials said the investigation identified other recipients, an action that prevented four additional murders. The young woman faces charges for aiding and abetting premeditated murder. She is also suspected of distributing psychotropic substances.

Police said the suspect faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. They warned that Russian forces aim to destabilize the country by targeting its personnel. Officers urged the public to avoid accepting food, drink, or medication from strangers.

This case fits a pattern of accusations during the war that began in 2022. Both Ukraine and Russia have alleged the other recruits minors for sabotage missions. Ukrainian authorities have opened thousands of investigations into alleged collaboration with Moscow.

The city of Zhytomyr lies west of Kyiv. The next step in the case will involve further legal proceedings for the detained teenager. Police have not announced a specific timeline for trial dates.