How Russia recruits spies through social media | Ukraine This Week

How does Russia turn civilians into spies via social media? In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines Russia's covert recruitment networks and how the Kremlin systematically enlists ordinary people to carry out sabotage, espionage, and cyberattacks across Ukraine and Europe. From encrypted Telegram channels to teenage operatives, we uncover the tactics behind one of Europe's fastest-growing security threats. Anna reveals what makes these operations so effective, with insights from cybersecurity expert Kostiantyn Korsun and Russia analyst Keir Giles, and explains how Russia leverages social media, financial incentives, and ideological messaging to build a clandestine network of civilian operatives. Understand why European intelligence agencies are sounding the alarm, what these attacks reveal about Moscow's long-term hybrid warfare strategy, and why experts warn the threat is accelerating. 00:00 Intro 01:04 What is sabotage? 04:17 Support independent journalism in Ukraine 04:50 How Russia recruits online 09:24 What Russia targets 13:12 Fighting Russia's hybrid war 17:40 Member Q&A 19:18 Outro Read more about how Ukrainians use Telegram and the potential threats here: https://kyivindependent.com/is-ukraines-most-popular-messenger-app-a-russian-trojan-horse/ Watch more from the Kyiv Independent on Russia is building a state-controlled internet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaGT1BjaYY4 Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=weekly_show_231&utm_medium=231 Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. #HybridWarfare #Cybersecurity #Telegram #UkraineThisWeek #UkraineWar