Vasyl Velychko has been bound to a seat for hours on a scorching day, but no one has heard his cries for help to free him.
The 18-year-old is one of thousands of disadvantaged individuals who reside in orphanages in Ukraine.
When BBC News secured access to five institutions, they discovered widespread abuse and torture, including the restraint of minors and the long-term placement of adults in cots.
According to human rights experts, Ukraine shouldn’t join the EU until these institutions are shut down.
The Ukrainian administration declared it would change the system before the conflict with Russia.
Vasyl, who suffers from epilepsy and learning difficulties, resides at an orphanage outside of Chernivtsi, a city in southwest Ukraine.
The adolescent is donning a diaper. The employees remain oblivious while he rocked back and forth and occasionally let out a prolonged, high-pitched scream.
They are worn out and overworked, and it is obvious that restraints make it simpler and more socially acceptable to keep an eye on youngsters and teenagers.
