A Russian court on Tuesday ordered the detention of two teenagers accused of setting fire to a military helicopter, facing a potential 20-year prison sentence on “terrorism” charges. This incident underscores a troubling trend in Russia, where dozens of individuals have been apprehended for arson or sabotage attacks, including those targeting military sites, since the full-scale military offensive in Ukraine commenced in February 2022.
According to the Baza Telegram channel, a source considered close to law enforcement, the two 16-year-olds allegedly hurled a Molotov cocktail at a helicopter stationed at a military base in the Siberian city of Omsk over the weekend. Videos shared by Baza and other pro-Kremlin social media platforms reveal that the teenagers claim they were recruited through Telegram and promised a hefty sum of $20,000 for carrying out the act.
The court in Omsk, in a statement published on social media, announced the teenagers’ detention for two months pending trial. They face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. This incident echoes a similar case earlier this month involving two Russian schoolchildren, aged 13 and 14, who were apprehended for setting fire to a civilian helicopter in the Tyumen region of Siberia. They too alleged being recruited online and promised a monetary reward.
Russia has seen a surge in arrests and convictions related to arson attacks targeting military enlistment offices and sabotage of essential infrastructure like railway lines. Prosecutors assert that some of these attacks were orchestrated by Ukraine, while others represent independent demonstrations against Moscow’s military offensive. The ongoing wave of alleged sabotage and arson attacks paints a picture of growing dissent and unrest within Russia, highlighting the deep societal impact of the war in Ukraine.
