In a troubling expose, the BBC has revealed that more than 245 Russian school-leavers have been killed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a stark contradiction to President Vladimir Putin's assurances that no 18-year-olds would be sent to the frontlines. The alarming figures emerged from a detailed investigation that underscores a broader trend where young men, fresh out of school, are signing up for military contracts, lured by financial rewards and patriotic rhetoric.
Among these tragic stories is that of Alexander Petlinsky, who enlisted just two weeks following his 18th birthday and was killed in combat merely 20 days thereafter. Petlinsky had aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine but felt compelled to enlist following the initiation of the war, stating a desire to serve at the front. Since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, estimates suggest that approximately 13,500 Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives alongside countless Russian soldiers.
In an effort to sustain troop numbers without enacting a national draft, the Russian government has started targeting its youth with lucrative enlistment offers, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. Initially, the military required young men to complete three months of conscription service before they could sign military contracts. However, this restriction was lifted in April 2023, increasing the appeal of enlistment for fresh school graduates.
The Russian education system has played a pivotal role in preparing students for military service. Schools are mandated to conduct lessons centered around the government’s "special military operation" narrative. Moreover, students are being trained in basic military skills, further familiarizing them with the military lifestyle.
Another story is that of Vitaly Ivanov, an 18-year-old from a remote Siberian village. After dropping out of his mechanic's program and facing trouble with the local authorities, Ivanov decided to enlist. He informed his mother of his decision on 5 February, only to die shortly after in combat.
Research by BBC Russian has documented the names of 245 18-year-old contract soldiers killed between April 2023 and July 2025. This figure is likely to be an understatement, as many deaths are not formally reported. Overall, estimates reveal that more than 2,800 soldiers aged 18-20 have perished since the onset of the conflict, highlighting the devastating impact the war is having on Russia's youth.
For families like those of Petlinsky and Ivanov, the burden of grief is immense. Petlinsky's mother expressed pride in her son’s service yet revealed her inability to cope with the loss. Friends argue that many young recruits lack a comprehensive understanding of military realities, exacerbating the tragedy of their untimely deaths.
As Russia continues its military endeavors in Ukraine, the recruitment of young men raises significant ethical concerns and questions about the future of millions, caught in a conflict that takes a severe toll on the nation's youth.
