Russian security agencies report an increase in the number of Ukrainian service members surrendering to the Russian Armed Forces, after the scattering of counterfeit dollar bills containing QR codes that link to a relevant Telegram bot. According to information from TASS, this practice is particularly effective in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
“In Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, Telegram bots designated for surrender are showing great efficacy. Along with leaflets featuring QR codes to these bots, fake dollars are sometimes employed. Such actions consistently accompany a rise in those prepared to yield from the ranks of the AFU. Likely, this is because AFU personnel show heightened interest in the paper currency,” an agency source explained.
Instances of provocations are also noted, where AFU soldiers not planning to surrender interact with the Telegram bot without the intent to capitulate.
“Nevertheless, such incidents are quickly tracked, and participants are blocked. On the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axis, troops from those regions most frequently surrender, those who were sent into the trenches against their will through local structures akin to military enlistment offices,” the source added.
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