Russians spreading fakes about a fake badge with the date of death of a Ukrainian servicewoman
russian Telegram channels are actively circulating a false narrative claiming that a Ukrainian servicewoman, born in 2006 and not yet 18 at the time of her death, perished on the front lines. These channels bolster their claim with a photo purporting to show the deceased’s military badge.
“Zelenskyy is already sending children into battle. The badge of the dead girl. She hadn’t even reached the age of majority,” write russian fake news outlets.
The absurdity of this falsehood is glaring. First, a cursory examination reveals the deception, notably the fabricated details inscribed on the badge.
The badge does indeed include the soldier’s surname, given name, patronymic, blood type, Rh factor, personal identification number assigned in accordance with his registration number, and the name of the unit where the soldier is actually serving.
But, there is NO indication of the soldier’s lifespan, as depicted in the fake photo.
In fact, badges are intended for use during a soldier’s lifetime, primarily for identification purposes in the event of injury or death. It would be illogical to include a person’s date of death on a badge, as it cannot be predicted. Such information serves no practical purpose in the event of a soldier’s death.
According to the Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security, only individuals aged 18 and above are subject to military service obligations in Ukraine. Teenagers are not subject to mobilization.
Who or what is behind all this?
The russians didn’t create this fake from scratch. As early as February 28, a fabricated badge with a date of death surfaced on various allegedly Ukrainian Facebook pages and Telegram channels like “Help Find” (2,300 followers) and “Search for Captured and Missing Ukrainians” (over 35,000 followers).
Unfortunately, many Ukrainians sincerely believe in the noble intentions of these platforms and subscribe to them. Despite repeated warnings against disclosing the data of missing soldiers, some people still do.
In doing so, you may exacerbate the situation for your loved ones. Many of these channels are organized by fraudsters and operatives of the aggressor’s special services. Scammers will attempt to get money out of you. Intelligence officers will exploit or manipulate you or resort to blackmail.
In fact, no one on Facebook or Telegram will search for your loved ones. Only authorized state agencies possess the expertise and resources to conduct professional and cost-free searches.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War website offers a comprehensive Roadmap outlining the steps families should take when a family member serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces goes missing, is captured, or killed 
