Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that 18-year-old men are not involved in military operations in Ukraine. However, according to calculations published by the BBC, at least 245 18-year-old high school graduates have died on the Ukrainian front over the past two years.
Legal changes and the "contract army"
Since April 2023, school graduates in Russia have been allowed to sign military contracts immediately. Previously, a minimum of three months of conscript service was required, but this restriction has been lifted.
For many young men – especially from economically disadvantaged regions – this decision has been seen as a “good job.” They are joining the army under the influence of financial incentives and patriotic propaganda.
One of them was Alexander Petlinsky. He signed a contract two weeks after turning 18 and died in battle in Ukraine 20 days later.
According to his aunt, he had dreamed of becoming a doctor and had applied to a medical college. But after the start of the “special military operation,” he also began to dream of going to the front.
Since September 2024, a new subject called “Basics of Homeland Defense” has been introduced for senior students. Children learn how to use assault rifles, grenades, and tactics. Soldiers visit schools to share their “heroic” experiences. Children are encouraged to write letters and draw pictures for the front.
Short-lived dreams
Vitaly Ivanov, from Siberia, was studying to become a mechanic at a technical college but dropped out and joined the army after problems with the police. He too was sent to the front in February and died.
According to his mother Anna, he called her on the day he left to say goodbye: “I'm going to the North-Eastern Military District.”
That day was his first and last battle.
According to BBC estimates, between April 2023 and July 2025, at least 245 18-year-old soldiers died in the war. In total, at least 2,812 soldiers aged 18–20 have been confirmed dead.
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