Russia forces abducted children into military service

Ukrainian officials report that Russia is conscripting kidnapped Ukrainian teens into combat.

Russia forces abducted children into military service

Ukrainian officials claim that Russia is conscripting children abducted from Ukraine into military service once they turn 18. Estimates suggest that about 35,000 children have been taken since Russia began its aggressive actions in Ukraine in 2014. Nikola Yermak, chief of staff to President Zelensky, revealed disturbing evidence that thousands of these abductees might soon find themselves on the battlefield, potentially to fight for the very country that took them from their homes. The practice is seen as both a solution to Russia's military manpower shortage and a new form of psychological warfare against Ukraine, according to officials.

This alarming trend marks a significant escalation in Russia's tactics against Ukraine, serving dual purposes. It not only replenishes dwindling military ranks but also aims to inflict psychological trauma on the Ukrainian populace. This systematic kidnapping of children, particularly by a state that claims to uphold international law, contradicts all norms of human rights and international regulations. The implications could reverberate far beyond Ukraine, as the world grapples with the moral questions surrounding state-sponsored abduction and forced conscription of minors.

Highlights

Continued international pressure is crucial to address these human rights violations.