Dnipro Thursday Evening, 9th March
I never repeat a story, or believe a story, unless I hear it from someone who was actually their to witness it, or I witness it myself. I spent 9 hours on the road helping out today, and I can confirm without any doubt, that 17 year old kids are enlisted in the Ukrainian army.
I drove through 11 block posts, and was stopped at one closish to the front by a kid who was obviously not an adult. He was nervous when I pulled out by passport and papers authorising me to pass as I wasn't from Ukraine, and he didn't speak English. I assured him I could understand him if he spoke slowly in Russian, not Ukrainian, and he obliged. He is from Ternipol, and had his 17th birthday yesterday. I left him the last of the coke and snickers bars I carry for the soldiers who stop me, and went on my way.
I did not ask if he volunteered or was forcibly conscripted as we were interrupted by some artillery fire not too distant, and I was wanting to leave, but I can say with absolute certainty, the stories of child soldiers are true. He did not look too distressed at being there, and standing a block post 25 km from the front I suppose is a far cry from manning a trench, but this is still not right. I have 4 sons, the thought that one would ever have to fight in a war, any war, makes me feel physically sick.
