Fast kill but also long game: Russia is using AI-generated women and long conversations to lure Ukrainian soldiers to their deaths
The fake profiles are one of three versions of a honey-trap scheme that has killed six soldiers, the SBU says,
Russia is employing AI-generated women and lengthy conversations to ensnare Ukrainian soldiers and potentially kill them, according to Artem Dekhtiarenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The fabricated profiles are part of a threefold "honey trap" scheme that Russia has intensified this year. Of the over 50 attempts thwarted by Ukraine's military counterintelligence thus far in 2026, six soldiers have been killed through this method.
While these instances are described as isolated, Russia devotes considerable resources to these operations, spending months cultivating fake romances for each victim. This tactic builds upon a classic Soviet strategy, but its objectives have evolved to not only recruit soldiers but also create chaos and panic within Ukraine, making the conflict feel uncontrollable.
The plan comprises three versions: AI-generated women, real women located in occupied areas working on Russia's behalf, and fewer instances where women in Ukrainian-held territory agree to collaborate and later get caught. For each of these schemes, the SBU and police plan to apprehend the operatives involved, with severe penalties.
Dekhtiarenko emphasized that Russia adopts a long-term approach, often requiring months of steady communication before launching an attack. This patience serves as a warning for soldiers and underscores the psychological impact of such tactics. The ultimate goal is to sow panic, destabilize the situation, and make Ukraine appear helpless.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
