Young Lives Lost: The Tragic Toll of Russia's War in Ukraine

Recent findings indicate that over 245 soldiers aged 18 were killed in Ukraine since 2023, amid claims from Putin that no young teens would be sent to the frontline. New recruitment policies lure school-leavers with promises of cash and patriotism, while educational institutions are increasingly entwined with military propaganda.

Vladimir Putin's administration has disavowed sending young teenagers into combat in Ukraine, yet recent revelations from a BBC Russian investigation suggest that 245 soldiers aged 18 have been killed in the ongoing conflict over the past two years. New military regulations now allow fresh school graduates to directly enlist in the army as contract soldiers, sidestepping traditional military service requirements once enforced for recruits.

Despite being a minor fraction of Russia's total military fatalities, the appeal of cash bonuses and nationalistic propaganda has rendered military enlistment enticing for school-leavers. Alexander Petlinsky, who enlisted just two weeks after turning 18, was killed shortly after deployment — only 20 days into his service. His dreams of pursuing a medical career were cut short by the realities of war, as his relatives recounted his longing for combat after the invasion began when he was 15.

Ukrainian military policy contrasts sharply, with a mandatory enlistment age set at 25 years. Russia continues to avoid a full-scale mobilization through lucrative offers aimed at men of military age, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Initial enlistment stipulations required recruits to complete three months of conscript service; however, this criterion was waived in April 2023, allowing any school graduate aged 18 to join the armed forces.

Evidence suggests that the educational system plays a role in preparing students for military service. Teachers are mandated to hold patriotic classes centered around the conflict, while veterans visit schools to share their frontline experiences. Furthermore, a new curriculum introduced in September 2024 reintroduces Soviet-era practices, teaching older students how to handle firearms and explosives, under themes such as "The Basics of Safety and Homeland Defence." Military recruiters are increasingly common in career fairs at schools and colleges, promoting enlistment among graduating students.

The case of Vitaly Ivanov exemplifies troubling patterns. After withdrawing from college, he was allegedly pressured into joining the military after a legal incident involving the police. Prior to his departure, he communicated excitement about his looming military service, unaware of the imminent combat awaiting him. His mother received the devastating news of his death just a month later after his first mission.

Research conducted by BBC Russian indicates at least 245 documented fatalities of 18-year-old contract soldiers between April 2023 and July 2025. This data, based on open-source materials, suggests the actual loss of young lives is likely higher, given that not all deaths are publicly reported. The cumulative death toll, based on their inquiries, stands at 120,343 Russian soldiers since the initiation of the large-scale invasion, with military experts estimating the actual figure could be 185,143 to 267,500.

As Alexander Petlinsky celebrated his 18th birthday on January 31, he chose to take a gap year from college to enlist in the military, aiming to fulfill his desire to fight in the conflict. Tragically, his life ended just a month after enlisting, and as his grieving mother expressed pride in her son’s bravery, she grappled with an unbearable loss.

His friend Anastasia reflects on the harrowing reality of young recruits saying, “They’re young and naive... They just don’t grasp the full responsibility of what they’re doing.” The societal implications of such recruitment and the continuing youth fatalities in this war remain a deeply painful and complex issue.