Kremlin allegedly recruited ‘kid soldiers’ to compensate Russian casualties in Ukraine

According to human rights officials, the Kremlin has resorted to recruiting youngsters to bolster its soldier ranks in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is reportedly recruiting from youth groups and conscripting 16-year-olds in an effort to replace the estimated 30,000 soldiers killed, injured, or captured thus far in the conflict.

Following Russia’s invasion of eastern Ukraine in 2014, so-called ‘patriotic clubs’ popped up as part of an effort to promote the country’s culture in Luhansk and Donetsk.

The claims come as Ukraine is being compelled to train volunteer residents to protect their towns. Close-combat techniques, armament use, military tactics, and first aid are all included during the course. Ukrainian officials yesterday urged the United Nations to conduct an investigation into Russia’s suspected deployment of ‘kid soldiers.’

According to human rights organizations, the youngsters are receiving military training and may be deployed to the front lines – possibly without their choice.

Some may have already been pressed into battle and perished in the conflict.

Additionally, reports indicate that the badges and insignia of Russian military cadets, who are not supposed to be sent to conflict zones, have been discovered on Ukrainian battlefields.

Lyudmyla Denisova, the Ukrainian parliament’s human rights commissioner, stated: ‘The occupation authorities [of Luhansk and Donetsk] are mobilizing minors who participated in so-called patriotic groups to the level of illegal weapons formations.

They have been receiving military training, and some of these youths have died [in Ukraine].

Now they are supporting the recruitment of people, including children, into the army in the temporarily seized territory. ‘By doing so, the Russian Federation has breached the 1949 Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians… and the rights of children.’

Campaigners have referred to Russia’s patriotic groups as brainwashing centers. The initiative began in 2015, one year after Russia invaded Luhansk and Donetsk.