Tragic Draft: Young Russians Enlist and Fall in Ukraine Conflict

A BBC investigation reveals that despite government assurances, at least 245 18-year-old Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine since the onset of the war. Recent changes in military regulations allow fresh school-leavers to enlist as contract soldiers, raising concerns about the exploitation of youth amidst nationalistic propaganda and economic incentives.

Vladimir Putin has assured the Russian public that no 18-year-olds would be dispatched to the front lines in Ukraine; however, a recent BBC investigation exposes the tragic reality. Since the start of the full-scale assault on Ukraine in early 2022, at least 245 soldiers under the age of 18 have perished on the battlefield, contradicting these promises.

New governmental regulations have created a pathway for recent school graduates to bypass mandatory military service and enlist directly as contract soldiers—a loophole that has been readily exploited. Cash bonuses and persistent nationalist narratives have made the allure of military service particularly compelling for young men, especially those from impoverished areas with limited employment opportunities.

One poignant example is Alexander Petlinsky, who enlisted in the army just two weeks after celebrating his 18th birthday. Tragically, he was killed in action a mere 20 days later. Alexander had aspirations of pursuing a medical career, having secured a spot at a medical school in Chelyabinsk. However, the impact of the ongoing conflict overshadowed his dreams, as he expressed a longing to serve on the frontlines even when he was just a teenager.

Unlike Ukraine, where the call-up age is set at 25, Russia has managed to sustain military operations without a nationwide conscription by enticing young men with attractive financial incentives. Initially, the law mandated that applicants must complete three months of conscript service before signing a contract, a stipulation that was quietly lifted in April 2023 despite opposition from some lawmakers.

The Russian education system has been repurposed to support the military initiatives, with legislation mandating that schools incorporate discussions around the "special military operation." Young pupils engage in various war-related activities, including crafting camouflage materials. The recent curriculum overhaul even reintroduced military training practices reminiscent of Soviet times, exposing students to weapons handling.

Vitaly Ivanov, another casualty, dropped out of college and found himself pressured into enlistment after encountering legal issues with the police. Despite initial plans to join the workforce, he opted to enlist and was deployed to combat soon after. His family was blindsided by the news of his death, signaling the harsh reality many families are now facing.

The BBC’s ongoing tallies of Russian military losses report that there is a significant number of 18-20 year old soldiers among the fatalities in Ukraine, with at least 2,812 confirmed dead since the full-scale invasion began. Open-source data suggests that the actual figures might be even higher, estimating that the true death toll could range significantly higher than official counts.

As mothers like Elena Petlinsky grapple with the loss of their sons, many of whom had dreams like pursuing education and careers, it raises difficult conversations about the youth's recruitment to fulfill a war agenda. Friends of these young men voice their concerns, lamenting the naïvete of their peers who unknowingly carry the weight of the conflict.

In this context, questions about the youth’s understanding of their choices loom large, amidst an unfolding crisis that affects families across Russia.