By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Reports from Ukrainian experts indicate that Russian authorities in Donetsk have placed 48 children in psychiatric hospitals on charges of “extremism,” part of a larger pattern of targeting minors under the guise of combating dissent. According to data from the “DNR,” a total of 161 minors have faced criminal charges, with numerous cases of teenagers persecuted for expressing anti-war sentiments or using Ukrainian symbols. These actions, which include fines and forced apologies, are part of a broader strategy affecting the approximately 1.5 million children living in Russian-occupied territories who are reportedly under immense pressure. The reported actions are also being carried out alongside the utilization of youth sports in occupied Zaporizhzhia to spread propaganda.
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Russia locks up 48 Ukrainian children in psychiatric hospitals for opposing the war. It’s a horrifying reality, isn’t it? To think that in this day and age, we’re witnessing a repeat of tactics from the Soviet era. The idea that children, who possess a fundamental understanding of right and wrong, are being targeted for their opposition to a war is absolutely sickening. These kids, braver than many adults, are now being subjected to the same brutal methods used to silence dissidents in the past.
Russia locks up 48 Ukrainian children in psychiatric hospitals for opposing the war, echoing the chilling practices of the “psikhushkas.” These were the Soviet era’s instruments of repression. Individuals who dared to question the regime, human rights activists, and even those with religious beliefs were forcibly confined, diagnosed with fabricated mental illnesses, and subjected to drugging, isolation, and silence. The KGB even had special rooms designed to break people down through torture. It’s as if Russia is still clinging to the same old, authoritarian playbook. Those who oppose the current regime, especially those from territories they’ve occupied, are sent to jail or, as we now see, to hospitals.
Russia locks up 48 Ukrainian children in psychiatric hospitals for opposing the war, and this is a stark reminder of the Soviet Union’s history of weaponizing psychiatry. The diagnosis of “sluggish schizophrenia” was nothing more than a tool to label political opponents as mentally ill, thus justifying their forced hospitalization and chemical treatments. It was a convenient way for some psychiatrists to ease their consciences by pathologizing dissent. It is hard to believe that in the 21st century, we are witnessing this, a clear indication that the world has not learned from the past. It evokes a feeling of utter disbelief.
Russia locks up 48 Ukrainian children in psychiatric hospitals for opposing the war, and the world’s reaction has been, unfortunately, insufficient. Many wonder where the outrage is, why the international community isn’t stepping up. The lack of decisive action against these war crimes is truly disheartening. We see these atrocities unfold in real-time, and yet, often, we get nothing more than words. The pain must be unimaginable for these children, who are being subjected to trauma and abuse. It makes you think about what kind of world we are living in.
Russia locks up 48 Ukrainian children in psychiatric hospitals for opposing the war, and it’s understandable to feel a sense of anger and frustration. The situation calls for us to stand up and make it clear that this behavior is absolutely unacceptable. It’s a tragic situation, and it makes you think about the bigger picture, about the history and the long path humanity has been on. Are we doomed to repeat history?
Russia locks up 48 Ukrainian children in psychiatric hospitals for opposing the war, and it is just another grim example of the brutality that we’ve seen throughout history. This is a systemic issue, and it’s been happening for a long time. It is hard to reconcile this level of inhumanity with any sense of progress. The international community must hold Russia accountable for these atrocities, and provide support for the victims. The world must do more.
Russia locks up 48 Ukrainian children in psychiatric hospitals for opposing the war, and it’s hard not to be cynical at times. There are so many atrocities, and so much silence. It makes you question everything. But that also makes it that much more important to speak out, to document what’s happening, and to demand justice. To call Russia out for what it is.