Denys Kostev, who was 18 when the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began, recounts his experiences of being forcibly transferred from Kherson to occupied Crimea in 2022. Initially opposed to the invasion, Kostev was coerced into participating in pro-Russian propaganda campaigns to ensure his survival. Now residing in Kyiv, he reflects on his past, stating, "I wanted to live."
Kostev, who lived in an orphanage after the death of his mother, became a prominent figure in Russian media, appearing in videos that promoted pro-Russian sentiments. He explained that refusal to participate could lead to physical harm or imprisonment.
As the war escalated, he and other children were moved to a summer camp in Crimea, where they were exposed to Russian nationalistic indoctrination. Kostev described waking up to the Russian anthem and participating in flag-raising ceremonies. He noted that children without parental guidance were particularly vulnerable to adopting pro-Russian narratives.
Ukrainian authorities are actively working to return children taken from occupied regions, with reports indicating that over 2,600 children have been repatriated. Rights groups estimate that nearly 4,000 children were forcibly taken from orphanages in occupied areas, with claims that Russia has relocated around 20,000 Ukrainian minors for indoctrination purposes.
While the Kremlin acknowledges the relocation of children for "re-education," it denies allegations of abduction, asserting that these children were rescued from conflict zones. Some children were reportedly taken from parents who resisted collaboration with Russian authorities.
International rights organizations have condemned the alleged abduction and indoctrination of Ukrainian children, labeling it as one of the most severe crimes committed by the Kremlin. Ivar Dale from the Norwegian Helsinki Committee emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the campaign to indoctrinate children represents a more insidious aspect of the conflict.
Ukrainian officials report that approximately 5,500 young Ukrainians have been enrolled in a military training program in occupied areas. Experts suggest that younger children are particularly susceptible to changes in worldview due to their adaptable nature.
Kostev's journey continued after he was sent back to Henichesk in April 2023, where he faced further challenges, including threats from local authorities. He eventually managed to escape to Germany, where he reunited with family before returning to Ukraine in April 2024. He is now pursuing a military career as a drone pilot, expressing a desire to return home despite the ongoing conflict.