Russia recruits 18-year-olds from children's colonies to storm Donetsk region

The Russian army is increasingly recruiting underage ex-prisoners

Russian 9th separate guards motorised rifle brigade, that currently operates in the area Myrnohrad, Donetsk region, The army has been replenished with several dozen new recruits. According to sources NV, The majority of them are former prisoners, who have just turned 18.

This means that Russian commanders are already recruiting teenagers from children's colonies, The Ukrainian government is trying to avoid a new wave of mobilisation. According to journalists, such recruits are thrown to the front line with minimal training.

Signs of staff shortages

Analysts note that the use of juvenile ex-convicts indicates acute staffing crisis in the Russian army. The Kremlin is trying to compensate for the losses at the expense of the most vulnerable groups.

Earlier it was reported that Russian commanders they recruit prisoners even from high-security colonies, The trend has now spread to children's institutions, promising early release and cash payments.