Vladimir Putin's assurances that no 18-year-olds would be sent to the frontline in Ukraine are contradicted by a BBC Russian investigation, which reveals that at least 245 soldiers of that age have been killed since the war's escalation. New military regulations have enabled fresh school graduates to bypass conventional conscription and enlist directly as contract soldiers, turning military service into an appealing option, particularly for youth in economically deprived regions.
No longer restricted to those with prior conscript experience, young men can now sign contracts as soon as they complete high school, a change implemented quietly in April 2023. This has led to disquiet, even among some MPs. The war's official narrative is prominently present in Russian schools, where lessons on the "special military operation" are mandatory, akin to Soviet-era teachings.
The tragic story of Alexander Petlinsky exemplifies this new reality; he enlisted two weeks after turning 18 and was killed just 20 days later. Despite aspirations of studying medicine, the allure of military duty proved too strong.
Meanwhile, students across Russia are subjected to military-oriented education, which includes rifle handling and tactical defense lessons. Vitaly Ivanov, another casualty, faced police issues but opted for military service amid conflicting circumstances, culminating in his combat death shortly after arriving in Ukraine.
The BBC has verified the deaths of 245 young soldiers aged 18 enlisted as contract servicemen from April 2023 to July 2025. However, estimates suggest that over 120,000 Russian soldiers have died since the full-scale invasion began, hinting that the true casualty figures could be significantly higher. These losses reflect a grim truth for many Russian families, grappling with youth lost to a conflict that was never theirs to fight.
These stories from Russia's war have left families and communities intertwined in grief and confusion, calling into question the implications of sending their youth to battle. As one mother poignantly stated, "As a citizen of the Russian Federation, I am proud of my son... But as a mother - I can't cope with this loss." The reality remains that many of these young men, filled with aspiration and hope, find themselves caught in a tragic narrative they struggle to fully understand.
