In recent years, Vladimir Putin has assured the public that no 18-year-olds would be sent to participate in the war against Ukraine. However, a recent investigation by BBC Russian has uncovered that at least 245 of these young soldiers have died on the battlefield since the onset of the conflict. These losses raise significant concerns regarding the recruitment practices that ease restrictions on military service for recent school graduates.
Teenagers who have just finished school now bypass the traditional conscription process and can enlist as contract soldiers, following a new set of military regulations. While they represent only a small portion of the overall casualties, the allure of cash bonuses and patriotic messaging has made signing up seem appealing, especially in economically disadvantaged regions.
The heartbreaking story of Alexander Petlinsky serves as a stark example. He enlisted two weeks post his 18th birthday, only to be killed within three weeks of frontline service. Initially, he aspired to become a doctor but was drawn into military service by the spirit of patriotism ignited during the war. His aunt reminisces about his dreams, reflecting the tragic loss of life and potential.
In contrast, Ukraine maintains a call-up age of 25. The Russian government has avoided widespread mobilization by enticing potential recruits with significant financial incentives. An earlier requirement for men to serve a minimum of three months before signing up was removed in April 2023, allowing all recent high school graduates to enlist directly. Schools and colleges now openly support military recruitment, with teachers required to conduct lessons on the conflict, reinforcing a mindset geared towards military service among students.
Another young recruit, Vitaly Ivanov from Siberia, also faced pressures leading him to enlist after a run-in with the law. Just days before being sent to combat, he expressed to his family his intent to join the military operation in Ukraine. Tragically, his final message conveyed urgency before his death in combat.
The BBC's ongoing project documenting Russian military casualties estimates that since the full-scale invasion began, over 120,000 Russian soldiers have died. The research indicates that the reported figures likely underrepresent true death tolls, suggesting overall casualties may be higher.
As the parents and friends of these fallen youths grieve, they underline a growing concern regarding the implications of encouraging young individuals to join the military without fully comprehending the consequences of their decisions. With the war continuing, the loss of these young lives is a painful testament to the costs of conflict and the enduring impact on their families and communities.
Teenagers who have just finished school now bypass the traditional conscription process and can enlist as contract soldiers, following a new set of military regulations. While they represent only a small portion of the overall casualties, the allure of cash bonuses and patriotic messaging has made signing up seem appealing, especially in economically disadvantaged regions.
The heartbreaking story of Alexander Petlinsky serves as a stark example. He enlisted two weeks post his 18th birthday, only to be killed within three weeks of frontline service. Initially, he aspired to become a doctor but was drawn into military service by the spirit of patriotism ignited during the war. His aunt reminisces about his dreams, reflecting the tragic loss of life and potential.
In contrast, Ukraine maintains a call-up age of 25. The Russian government has avoided widespread mobilization by enticing potential recruits with significant financial incentives. An earlier requirement for men to serve a minimum of three months before signing up was removed in April 2023, allowing all recent high school graduates to enlist directly. Schools and colleges now openly support military recruitment, with teachers required to conduct lessons on the conflict, reinforcing a mindset geared towards military service among students.
Another young recruit, Vitaly Ivanov from Siberia, also faced pressures leading him to enlist after a run-in with the law. Just days before being sent to combat, he expressed to his family his intent to join the military operation in Ukraine. Tragically, his final message conveyed urgency before his death in combat.
The BBC's ongoing project documenting Russian military casualties estimates that since the full-scale invasion began, over 120,000 Russian soldiers have died. The research indicates that the reported figures likely underrepresent true death tolls, suggesting overall casualties may be higher.
As the parents and friends of these fallen youths grieve, they underline a growing concern regarding the implications of encouraging young individuals to join the military without fully comprehending the consequences of their decisions. With the war continuing, the loss of these young lives is a painful testament to the costs of conflict and the enduring impact on their families and communities.
