The Steel Porcupine Documentary - FAQ

Question 1

Should I watch the film to the very end?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is The Steel Porcupine about?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why is it called The Steel Porcupine?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How is this film different from other Ukraine documentaries?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Where can I watch The Steel Porcupine?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

On the website www.thesteelporcupine.com, for free.

Question 6

It must have been costly to make. Why is it free?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

Over a thousand people generously crowd funded its creation.

Question 7

What does the film say about genocide in Ukraine?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

It documents Russia's genocidal actions through real footage, testimony, and juxtaposition with historical atrocities—highlighting the pattern of systemic erasure/eliminationism.

Question 8

Is this film political?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

The film is factual and deeply human. It supports Ukraine's sovereignty and survival but does not align with any political party.

Question 9

Why are the United States and Europe mentioned in the film?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

United States and European aid to Ukraine is part of the broader geopolitical reality the film captures.

Question 10

Is it genocide under international law?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Why does this matter to the world?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Have the Russian people tried to destroy the Ukrainian people before?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What are the major historical genocides against Ukrainians?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What about today's invasion?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What is happening to Ukrainian children in Russian custody?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What are Russia's goals in abducting Ukrainian children?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

How many children have been taken?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What tactics does Russia use?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Are any of the children being trained for military use?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

How is Russia covering it up?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

Is this a war crime?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

Who introduces the film?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

Is any of the footage real?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

All footage is authentic—drawn from on-the-ground filming, archives, and historical records.

Question 24

Who is Nate Vance and why does he introduce the film?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

A U.S. combat volunteer, Nate brings his experience, intellect, emotional gravity, and credibility to share with you.

Question 25

Was this film made in a war zone?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

Why does the film include historical footage of the Holocaust and Soviet atrocities?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

To illuminate the continuity of erasure and state-directed violence that defines both past and present crimes.

Question 27

Is this project affiliated with the Ukrainian government or military?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

No. It is an independent production unaffiliated with any government or organization. The film was screened previous to public viewing for military OPSEC compliance.

Question 28

How can I support the film?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

Share it with others. Tell two people. Post a review or comment on Vimeo, IMDB or your favorite social media.

Question 29

How can I help?

The Steel Porcupine · Accepted Answer

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.

FAQ

General