Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized that 18-year-old boys do not participate in military actions in Ukraine. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
However, according to information published by the BBC, at least 245 18-year-old high school graduates have died on the front lines in Ukraine over the past two years. Since April 2023, teenagers who have graduated from school in Russia have had the opportunity to enlist in military service directly under a contract.
Previously, it was mandatory to serve at least three months in the military, but this requirement has now been abolished. Many young men, especially those living in economically difficult regions, are viewing this opportunity as a good job.
They are joining the army under the influence of financial incentives and patriotic propaganda. One of these young men was Alexander Petlinsky.
He signed a contract two weeks after turning 18 and was killed on the battlefield in Ukraine 20 days later. Petlinsky's aunt says he actually dreamed of becoming a doctor and had applied to a medical college.
However, after the war began, he also started wanting to go to the front. Starting from September 2024, a new subject called "Fundamentals of Defense of the Motherland" was introduced for high school students.
In this subject, children are learning about firearms, grenades, and military tactics. Soldiers are coming to schools to share their combat experiences.
Additionally, children are being encouraged to provide psychological support to soldiers on the front through letters and photos. Vitaly Ivanov, who was born in Siberia, was studying mechanics at a technical school.
Later, he dropped out of school and joined the army after encountering problems with the police. Vitaly was also sent to the front in February and was killed.
His mother Anna says they said goodbye over the phone on the day he went to war: "I am going to the Northern Military District," he said. That day was his first and last battle.
According to BBC estimates, from April 2023 to July 2025, at least 245 18-year-old boys have died in the war. Overall, at least 2812 deaths have been recorded among young soldiers aged 18 to 20.
These numbers show how severe the consequences of the war are among the youth.
