Ukrainian teenager found fighting for Russian army

Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that Oleksandr Mustyatse, a teenager who went missing from the village of Krynky in the Kherson region during the early stages of the Russian invasion, has been located fighting for the Russian army. Social media posts showed the teenager wearing a Russian military uniform marked with the “Z” symbol.

Ukrainian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Mykola Kuleba stated that the case highlights how prolonged occupation and aggressive propaganda can reshape the perspectives of children in occupied territories. Kuleba noted that children are often integrated into military-patriotic events and organizations like ‘Yunarmiya,’ where they are taught to view Ukraine as an enemy.

Official Ukrainian figures indicate that over 19,500 children have been taken or separated from their families since the invasion began, with approximately 1,366 having returned home so far.