School-leavers losing their lives for Russia in Putin's war with Ukraine

In Russia, a growing number of teenagers are joining the army right after finishing school, and many of them are only 18 years old. President Vladimir Putin has promised that 18-year-olds who are called up for military service would not be sent to fight in Ukraine. However, a BBC Russian investigation has discovered that at least 245 soldiers aged 18 have died in Ukraine over the past two years. This is happening because of new government rules that allow teenagers to skip the usual military service and sign up directly as contract soldiers. These young people are often attracted by large cash bonuses and strong patriotic messages, making the army seem like a good option, especially for those from poorer areas with few job opportunities.

One example is Alexander Petlinsky, who joined the army just two weeks after turning 18. He was killed in Ukraine only 20 days later. Alexander had always wanted to become a doctor and had even been accepted into a medical college. But when the war started, he was just 15 and began to dream about going to the front. In Russia, the education system now supports military recruitment. Schools are required to hold classes about the 'special military operation,' which is what the government calls the war. Soldiers visit schools to share their experiences, and students are taught to make things like camouflage nets and trench candles. Even young children in nursery schools are encouraged to send letters and drawings to soldiers at the front.

Another young man, Vitaly Ivanov, grew up in a small Siberian village and dropped out of college. He got into trouble with the police and was accused of robbery. His family believes he may have been pressured by the police to join the army. Before leaving, he called his mother to say he was going to the 'special military operation,' meaning Ukraine. He died during his first combat mission. The BBC has identified 245 18-year-old contract soldiers who have died in Ukraine since the rules changed in April 2023. In total, at least 2,812 Russian men aged 18 to 20 have died in the war, but the real number is likely higher. Many families are left grieving, with some mothers saying they are proud of their sons but cannot cope with the loss. Friends of these young soldiers say that many of them are too young and do not fully understand the risks and responsibilities of joining the army.