Young Lives Lost: The Tragic Reality of 18-Year-Old Soldiers in Russia's War with Ukraine

Despite Vladimir Putin's assurances that he would not send 18-year-olds to the front lines, an investigation reveals that at least 245 of these young soldiers have been killed since the start of the war in Ukraine. Changes in military recruitment policies and a government push to romanticize military service have resulted in unprecedented numbers of school-leavers enlisting, often with tragic consequences.

In a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, an investigation by BBC Russian has uncovered the tragic fate of at least 245 soldiers who were just 18 years old at the time of their deaths. Despite President Vladimir Putin’s assurances that those aged 18 would not be sent to fight, the circumstances surrounding military recruitment have tragically proven otherwise.

In recent years, the Russian government has modified its military enlistment policy, allowing fresh school graduates to bypass initial military service and directly join the regular army as contract soldiers. This shift, driven by financial incentives and patriotic promotion, has persuaded many young men, particularly from economically disadvantaged regions, to enlist—often at the cost of their lives.

Among the identified casualties is Alexander Petlinsky, who enlisted shortly after his 18th birthday. He was killed in Ukraine just three weeks later. Describing her nephew's aspirations, his aunt Ekaterina recounted how he had hoped to pursue a medical career but was lured by the allure of joining the front lines when the invasion commenced.

Contrastingly, Ukraine's call-up age remains 25, allowing young Russians to be drawn into combat with a promise of financial rewards that many see as a vital opportunity amid limited job prospects. Recruitment methods have adapted to effectively target these school-leavers, with military representatives frequently visiting educational institutions, highlighting the potential benefits of signing military contracts upon graduation.

Another young soldier, Vitaly Ivanov, hailing from a small Siberian village, enlisted under dubious circumstances after a brush with the law. His tragic story underscored the coercive elements that can influence enlistment decisions. Vitaly was subsequently killed on his first combat mission, leaving his family in mourning as they grappled with his loss only weeks after he enlisted.

The BBC’s ongoing documentation has verified 245 names of soldiers aged 18 who died in the conflict from April 2023 to July 2025 as part of an analysis project using open-source information. All these individuals enlisted as contract servicemen, with most joining voluntarily, although the veracity of each death remains difficult to officially confirm.

Overall, the investigation estimates a staggering death toll of at least 120,343 Russian military personnel in this conflict, with younger soldiers disproportionately impacted. This figure is believed to represent only a fraction of the actual fatalities, as many deaths go unreported.

As the harsh reality of war continues to unfold, the burden of loss weighs heavily on the families left behind. Mothers like Elena, who lost her son Alexander, voice a collective grief as they navigate the complexities of pride mixed with heartbreak. The impact of such tragedies on communities and families during this ongoing conflict highlights both the severity of the situation and the disillusionment of youth who enlist with dreams that end far too soon.