Jüdische Kinder in einer Straße in Warschau, Polen, Russland

During the Soviet era, there were many orphans in the Soviet Union. The main reason for this was the high number of casualties during World War II, which left many children without parents. Additionally, the Soviet government also took children away from their parents who were deemed unfit to raise them. The Soviet government established orphanages and children's homes to care for these children. However, these institutions were often overcrowded and lacked proper resources and care. Many orphans suffered from malnutrition, poor health, and lack of education. The Soviet government also used orphanages as a way to promote Communist ideology. Children were taught to be loyal to the state and to follow Marxist principles. They were also encouraged to join the Young Pioneers, a Communist youth organization. Despite the challenges faced by orphans in the Soviet Union, some were able to overcome their circumstances and succeed in life. Notable examples include Nobel Prize-winning physicist Andrei Sakharov and former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, both of whom grew up as orphans.