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Russia Locks Up 48 Ukrainian Children in Psychiatric Hospitals for Opposing the War
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On September 26, Ukrainian experts reported that Russian occupation authorities in Donetsk have placed 48 children in psychiatric hospitals under charges of so-called “extremism.”
According to Mariia Krasnenko, an expert at the civic organization Almenda, occupation administrations systematically target children and youth under the pretext of combating extremism.
“Education and state youth policy are their main focus. The occupation authorities have developed clear markers to monitor and punish those considered ‘disloyal,’” Krasnenko said during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine.
Citing data from the so-called “DNR ,” she noted that 161 minors have been brought to criminal responsibility, with 48 of them subjected to compulsory psychiatric treatment.
The Center for Human Rights ZMINA highlighted several cases of teenagers who faced persecution, including:
Maksym Lypkan, punished for calling Russia’s war against Ukraine “a disgrace”;
Viktoria Petrova, targeted for speaking about events in Ukraine;
Denys Khamidullin, hospitalized after shouting “No to war” in central Moscow;
Vasyl Stryzhakov, accused of an attempted attack on Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov.
In addition to psychiatric confinement, minors are also subjected to administrative penalties, including fines and forced public apologies. Grounds for punishment may include statements, social media activity, or the use of Ukrainian symbols, which occupation authorities classify as “extremist” actions.
Almenda estimates that around six million Ukrainians remain in Russian-occupied territories, including approximately 1.5 million children.
Valentyna Potapova, head of national advocacy at the organization, noted that these children live under constant pressure:
“They perceive their identity as both a threat to their safety and a source of shame. The state must take this into account when they move to government-controlled areas.”
Earlier, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation reported that Russia is using youth sports in occupied Zaporizhzhia to spread propaganda, pressuring coaches to promote political slogans and turning tournaments into ideological events.
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