Russian Forces Attempt to Recruit Ukrainian Children
Deported from Mariupol, Bohdan Yermokhin was taken to Russia, placed with a foster family, and indoctrinated in a patriotic camp near Moscow. He was given a Russian passport and sent to a Russian school, only to receive a military recruitment summons before his 18th birthday.
Forced Recruitment Efforts
Yermokhin, now back in Ukraine, shared his resistance to Russia’s attempts to recruit him as a soldier to fight against his own people. Despite being part of the “Mariupol 31,” he managed to escape Russia after enduring the ordeal.
International Outcry
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Russian officials for abducting Ukrainian children. Ukraine’s human rights commissioner highlighted Russia’s efforts to erase Ukrainian identity through forced conscription.
Erasing Ukrainian Identity
Russian officials compel Ukrainians to serve in their armed forces, violating the Geneva Conventions. Children are targeted, with schools promoting Russian nationalism and pressuring them to take Russian passports.
Return to Ukraine
Children like Yermokhin and Artem managed to return to Ukraine after enduring Russian indoctrination. Save Ukraine is working to repatriate deported children and help them readjust to life in their homeland.
Resistance and Resilience
Despite facing intense pressure, Ukrainian children like Yermokhin and Artem resisted Russian recruitment efforts and managed to reunite with their families. The fight to protect Ukraine’s youth from forced militarization continues.
