Vladimir Putin's assurances that no 18-year-olds would be sent to fight in Ukraine are contradicted by a BBC Russian investigation revealing that at least 245 soldiers of this age have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. The investigation uncovers a troubling trend where newly graduated teenagers have been recruited into the regular army as contract soldiers, bypassing traditional military service protocols.
Eager to escape limited job prospects, particularly in impoverished regions, many young men are drawn in by cash bonuses and patriotic narratives. Alexander Petlinsky is a poignant example; he enlisted just after turning 18 and was killed in combat merely 20 days later, highlighting the grim realities of Russia’s full-scale war, which has resulted in significant losses on both sides, including at least 13,500 Ukrainian civilian casualties since February 2022.
Initially, the Russian military required recruits to have completed a minimum of three months of conscription before signing a contract, but this rule was quietly repealed in April 2023. Government propaganda has permeated the education system, with mandatory classes on the war and visits from returning soldiers aiming to inspire enlistment among students.
Vitaly Ivanov, like Petlinsky, found himself at the frontlines after signing a contract. Despite personal troubles that may have influenced his decision, he too was caught in a tragic cycle, with his last communication to family indicating he was sent into combat shortly before his death.
Overall, research indicates that since the beginning of the renewed invasion, approximately 2,812 Russian soldiers aged 18 to 20 have died in the conflict. The BBC's findings are part of a broader project assessing the war's human cost, and the true tally of deceased soldiers is likely higher than reported figures. As these young men answer the call to arms, the realities of their choices weigh heavily on their families and communities, sparking painful discussions among those left behind.
