The Russian private army Wagner, mainly consists of individuals previously convicted of serious crimes, is now committing new crimes — this time against Ukrainian children.

In West Africa, Wagner soldiers became notorious for public torture, executions, and even the removal of internal organs. But in the occupied territories of Ukraine, they’ve been given a different mission: to conduct military training for children right in schools. These “lessons” are only the first stage.

After that, children are taken to specially established military camps in Russia — including the “Avangard” camp near Volgograd. This year, thousands of Ukrainian children aged 14 to 17, mostly from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, are undergoing military training there.

We managed to rescue several children who had been through the “Avangard” camp. They are now undergoing rehabilitation at the Save Ukraine center. They were promised a trip to the seaside, but instead, they ended up in barracks, surrounded by tanks and military helicopters. Instead of swimsuits — military uniforms.

At the camp, run by the nationwide Russian center “Warrior,” teenagers are trained in combat tactics: setting up tripwire grenades, laying mines, assembling and disassembling assault rifles, and shooting. They are openly told: “You’ll need this in life.” Military instructors, including Wagner soldiers, serve as their trainers.

If children fail to complete tasks correctly, they are punished: 150 squats and 5 minutes in a plank — a level of physical exertion not every adult could endure.

Ukrainian children are being trained to become soldiers — for war against Ukraine and against the West.

These children are now safe, under the care of psychologists, doctors, and counselors from Save Ukraine. They are undergoing a six-month rehabilitation program, and although some of their wounds may never fully heal, here — for the first time in a long while — they can make their own choices.

Some dream of becoming hairdressers. Some — coaches. Some want to build homes, not destroy them. But in the meantime, Russia continues turning hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children in the occupied territories into soldiers.

At Save Ukraine, we are doing everything in our power to prevent this. We rescue children. And if you know families in need of help — please reach out.

Donate to support the rescue of stolen children – help us!