BBC finds school-leavers killed in Ukraine war

A BBC investigation reveals young Russian soldiers are losing their lives in Ukraine.

School-leavers die in Putin's war with Ukraine

A recent BBC investigation has uncovered that at least 245 Russian soldiers aged 18 have been killed in Ukraine over the last two years. This revelation contradicts Vladimir Putin's assurances that no 18-year-olds would be sent to combat. Many of these young men have entered the military straight after graduating from school, often influenced by financial incentives and patriotic messaging. One tragic example is Alexander Petlinsky, who enlisted two weeks after turning 18 and was killed just 20 days later. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, including at least 13,500 Ukrainian civilian deaths since the war began in February 2022.

This situation underscores a troubling reality for young Russians. While the government claims to protect youth by preventing their deployment, the allure of military pay and patriotic duty seems to take precedence. The recruitment of school-leavers raises ethical questions about how governments manipulate youth in times of conflict. Furthermore, this pattern of enlisting younger soldiers points to a potential shift in military strategy, where Russia relies on fresh blood to sustain its efforts. Increased casualties among young soldiers could lead to greater public scrutiny and possible dissent against the ongoing war.

Highlights

The implications of this investigation may spark wider discussions about military ethics and recruitment practices.