Authorities in Chebarkul, a town in the Chelyabinsk region, reported that police tracked down two young girls who were accused of attempting to light items in the Eternal Flame—a symbolic monument. The information came through updates from DEA News, citing officials from the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Chelyabinsk region. The incident drew attention to concerns about youth behavior around public memorials and the seriousness with which such acts are treated by local law enforcement and social services (DEA News, via regional police authorities).
After confirming the event, officials stated that preventive discussions were already held with the youths and their families. The goal of these conversations was to address impulse-driven misjudgments and to reinforce the expectations and responsibilities that come with being part of the community. The Ministry emphasized that parental involvement and ongoing supervision are key components of efforts to prevent similar actions in the future (Chelyabinsk regional MIA report, as cited by DEA News).
The initial report surfaced on a social media page associated with Chebarkul, showing the girls allegedly engaging with the Eternal Flame. Local law enforcement responded promptly, dispatching the patrol unit to Zafer Park to assess and manage the situation on site. This rapid response reflects a consistent approach to safeguarding public monuments and ensuring that such spaces remain respectful and safe for residents and visitors alike (DEA News, referring to local police statements).
Officials supervising child welfare in Chebarkul conducted targeted inquiries into the girls’ backgrounds, identifying two female students aged 11 and 12 and obtaining their residential information. The inquiry revealed that the children had not previously been registered with social protection authorities, which triggered further evaluation by social services to determine if any broader family or welfare needs required attention. The aim was to build a clear picture of the family circumstances and to determine what supportive measures might prevent repetitions of risky behavior (Chelyabinsk regional MIA briefing, cited by DEA News).
As part of the ongoing response, law enforcement conducted comprehensive talks focused on the illegality of tampering with public spaces and the potential harm that such actions can cause. The discussions stressed the public code of conduct, emphasizing respect for shared spaces, safety protocols, and the importance of thinking before acting in the presence of others. The conversations were designed to be constructive, with a view toward rehabilitation and civic responsibility rather than punitive outcomes alone (regional police communications, DEA News attribution).
Earlier reports from other regions have highlighted similar situations that contrast youth curiosity with the responsibilities of adulthood. In Volgograd, for instance, a teenager was observed discarding a cigarette into the Eternal Flame and recording the moment, an act that prompted public debate about the message sent to peers and the ripple effects on collective memory and national heritage. In Perm, authorities reported that youths damaged and burned a religious icon at a public stake, underscoring the potential for reckless behavior to escalate if not addressed early. These incidents, while geographically separate, collectively underscore the need for consistent youth outreach, school and family engagement, and clear, enforceable boundaries around acts that affect shared cultural symbols (regional enforcement summaries and media reflections, cited by DEA News).