The Steel Porcupine - Ukraine War Documentary | Russian War Crimes and Ukrainian Resistance
ABOUT THE FILM
Documentary Synopsis
The Steel Porcupine is an unforgettable cinematic experience that exposes Russia's campaign of extermination in Ukraine, the Ukrainian people's spirit to resist and prevail, and the world's response.
Blending rare archival footage with original material, it is a work of art—both informative and emotional—tracing the aftermath of murder, mass rape, child abductions, and a systematic effort to erase Ukrainian identity.
Featured Voices and Testimonies
Introduced by Nate Vance, a former U.S. Marine who fought for three years in Ukraine's defense, this documentary moves from the Bucha massacre to Russian state media endorsing genocide—revealing that war crimes are not isolated acts, but a national strategy.
Musical Score by Philip Glass
Visually arresting and politically urgent, The Steel Porcupine blends human rights storytelling with strategic insight. Set to a haunting soundtrack featuring music by Philip Glass.
About the Filmmakers
Created by the makers of the acclaimed To The Zero Line, this is another film about humanity by Benjamin I. Goldhagen.
Explore more on the film and the war in the FAQ on this site.
FAQ
FAQ
The credits are a cinematic view of Kyiv from a bridge over the Dnipro River on July 10, 2025. The cars and roads are the pulse of the city—what Russia seeks to destroy and the Ukrainians fight to preserve.
It cinematically reveals Russia's national project to erase all things Ukrainian, and the determined fight by Ukrainians and their allies to resist and prevail. It's the fight of free people to stay alive and stay free.
It has multiple meanings in the film. Ursula von der Leyen said that the leaders of Europe want to "turn Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders" following a high level meeting of Western and European leaders held in London at Lancaster House on March 2, 2025.
It is a cinematic experience in thirty-eight minutes. Vast in scope, drawing from influences like Night and Fog and Koyaanisqatsi—to evoke emotion while documenting fact.
On the website www.thesteelporcupine.com, for free.
Over a thousand people generously crowd funded its creation.
It documents Russia's genocidal actions through real footage, testimony, and juxtaposition with historical atrocities—highlighting the pattern of systemic erasure/eliminationism.
The film is factual and deeply human. It supports Ukraine's sovereignty and survival but does not align with any political party.
United States and European aid to Ukraine is part of the broader geopolitical reality the film captures.
Legal experts and human rights investigators—including Yale, the ICC, and Ukrainian authorities—have documented evidence that meets the criteria for genocide, especially: intent to destroy a national group, killing and mass deportation, and infliction of conditions calculated to destroy the group.
If Russia succeeds in normalizing the destruction of a nation through force, propaganda, and erasure, it undermines the international system built after WWII to prevent such atrocities. Ukraine is a test case—not just for its survival, but for the future of global norms.
There is a long history of targeted violence by Russian and Soviet regimes against Ukrainians. These campaigns have sought to destroy Ukrainian identity, language, culture, and in many cases, the population itself.
The Holodomor (1932–1933): A man-made famine orchestrated by Stalin's Soviet regime that killed millions of Ukrainians. The Soviet Purges and Deportations (1930s–1940s): Targeted repression, executions, and mass deportations of Ukrainian intellectuals, clergy, artists, and peasants. Russification Campaigns (20th Century): Systematic suppression of the Ukrainian language, history, and identity.
Since the 2022 full-scale invasion, Russia has committed acts that meet the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, including: mass killings of civilians (e.g., Bucha, Mariupol, Izium), forced deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia (over 19,000 documented cases), systematic filtration camps and torture chambers, erasure of Ukrainian identity in occupied regions through propaganda, re-education, and suppression of the Ukrainian language, and targeted missile strikes on cultural and civilian infrastructure.
Since the 2022 full-scale invasion, Russia has systematically abducted thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied territories. These children are subjected to re-education, forced Russification, propaganda indoctrination, and in some cases, military training.
Erasing Ukrainian identity: Children are taught to reject their Ukrainian heritage and adopt a Russian one. Demographic weaponization: Russia uses children to "replace" lost population in its border regions. Propaganda victory: The Kremlin portrays the abductions as "rescues," part of a staged humanitarian narrative. Militarization: Some teenagers are being trained for future military service, including deployment against Ukraine.
As of mid-2024: Over 19,500 children have been confirmed abducted by Ukrainian authorities. Fewer than 400 have been returned. The real number is likely higher due to lack of access in occupied areas.
Filtration camps: Children are separated from families under the pretense of "evacuation" or "medical care." Falsification of documents: Their Ukrainian identities are erased and replaced with Russian names and papers. Forced adoptions: Russian families are encouraged or compelled to adopt Ukrainian children as "orphans." Re-education camps: Children are sent to camps in Russia or Crimea where they are taught anti-Ukrainian ideology, Soviet nostalgia, and military discipline.
Yes. Teenagers, particularly boys aged 14–17, have been enrolled in military cadet academies inside Russia or Crimea. Some are shown in Kremlin media training with weapons or participating in war games—a violation of international law, including the Geneva Conventions and Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Propaganda media frames the abductions as "rescue missions" from war zones. Legal cover: Russian courts fast-track adoption cases and retroactively justify the removals. Denial and deflection: At the UN and in press briefings, Russian officials deny wrongdoing or shift blame to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has rejected ICC arrest warrants for the kidnapping program and continues to use abducted children in official state ceremonies.
Yes. The forcible transfer of children from one group to another with the intent to erase their identity is explicitly defined as an act of genocide under Article II of the UN Genocide Convention. It is also a war crime and crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Nate Vance, a former US Marine, subsequent to his Marine service, volunteered and spent three years fighting for Ukraine and returned home after his first cousin JD Vance was elected US Vice-President. He shares his unique reflection on the situation on the ground.
All footage is authentic—drawn from on-the-ground filming, archives, and historical records.
A U.S. combat volunteer, Nate brings his experience, intellect, emotional gravity, and credibility to share with you.
Yes. Portions were filmed adjacent to The Zero Line. Though Russia, in violation of the Geneva Conventions, and all human decency targets men, women and children wherever they live.
To illuminate the continuity of erasure and state-directed violence that defines both past and present crimes.
No. It is an independent production unaffiliated with any government or organization. The film was screened previous to public viewing for military OPSEC compliance.
Share it with others. Tell two people. Post a review or comment on Vimeo, IMDB or your favorite social media.
Spread awareness: Share the film and facts with others. Support rescue efforts: Donate to vetted organizations working to locate and return abducted children. Contact elected officials: Demand accountability, sanctions, and support for ICC enforcement.