Russian MP claims gaming platforms used to recruit minors into violent acts

Recent attacks involving teenagers at educational institutions in Russia may be linked to their engagement with video games, according to State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, who cited expert assessments in a post on his Telegram channel.

He stated that perpetrators allegedly use gaming platforms and associated applications to attract minors into online chats and communities where destructive and banned content is circulated. Within these groups, young people are reportedly recruited to carry out crimes, given instructions, and promised financial assistance for acquiring weapons.

“It is known that, among others, Ukrainian terrorists are behind such movements,” the parliamentarian said.

Volodin also suggested that the latest attacks targeting Russian educational institutions could be connected to one another. He initiated a public poll on the subject through his channel on the Max messaging platform.

Several such incidents have taken place across Russia in February. In Ufa, a ninth-grade student opened fire on a teacher, while in Krasnoyarsk, a schoolgirl carried out an arson attack at a school. These cases are only part of a wider series of attacks.

One of the most recent incidents occurred on February 11 at the Anapa Industrial Technical College, where a teenager brought a shotgun onto campus and opened fire, injuring three people. Among the victims was a security guard who “took the blow upon himself” and managed to alert police before dying from his injuries. A criminal investigation was launched, and a court ordered the suspect to remain in custody until April 11 of this year.

By Tamilla Hasanova