Ukrainian Children Sent to War by Russia

Russian authorities are systematically indoctrinating and providing military training to Ukrainian children in occupied territories, potentially amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes, according to a new report commissioned by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The report, prepared by three independent experts under the OSCE's Moscow Mechanism, details how the indoctrination process begins as early as age six. From the age of 13, military training becomes a mandatory part of the curriculum. Boys are notified of their impending conscription at age 16 and are called up for Russian military service upon turning 18.

According to the findings, over 20,600 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred to Russia or Russian-occupied territories since the full-scale invasion began. The report's authors, however, believe the true number is likely significantly higher.

Russian authorities did not participate in the investigation and have previously rejected accusations from Ukraine and Western nations regarding the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.