Teens recruited to spread Russian propaganda in Ukraine war.

Alexander Malkevich, a close associate of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been involved in setting up pro-Russian TV stations in occupied areas of Ukraine, spreading Kremlin propaganda narratives. Malkevich recruited underage reporters for his channels and opened a "media school" in Kherson to train staff. He fled Kherson before it was retaken by Ukrainian forces in November 2022, and one staff member was killed during the evacuation. Malkevich has been involved in projects spreading Russian influence from Africa to the US and is under Western sanctions for spreading disinformation.