Russia intensively militarizes Ukrainian children in occupied territories (photo).

The system of militarization of Ukrainian youth in occupied territories uses formal and informal education. The Russian militarization machine affects children of all ages, even preschoolers. This is reported in the article by 'Glavkom' 'Wagnerenok sits at the desk with a dead soldier. About education in occupied territories.'

According to 'Glavkom', what Ukrainian human rights defenders consider 'militarization', Russians call 'military-patriotic education'. For example, in the occupied Ukrainian territories, so-called 'Hero's Desks' are popular. This initiative of the 'United Russia' party establishes desks with images of dead soldiers of the Russian Federation in many educational institutions. The latest case of establishing such a desk was recorded in occupied School No. 24 in Melitopol.

Education at such desks is not available to every child. It is known that only students who have particularly distinguished themselves in studies or public activities can sit at such a desk. Daily reminders of 'heroic compatriots' contribute to the upbringing of patriotism, and sitting at such a desk mobilizes students to achieve greater results.

Another way to attract children in occupied territories to military themes is sports. The occupiers organize sports events with elements of military actions in which children participate.

'The combination of propaganda with sports tournaments is an effective mechanism that influences children. Ukrainian children at such competitions, where Russian flags and other symbols, including military ones, are present, are instilled with the thought that they are also Russians. The Russians also actively invite representatives of military organizations to such events,' says Khudoleev.

The journalist also mentions the activities of the so-called 'Yunarmiya' - a youth military-patriotic organization that originated from the USSR. In addition to Russia, 'Yunarmiya' operates in Armenia, Tajikistan, unrecognized Abkhazia, and also in the occupied territory of Ukraine. Participants of the organization can be children from the age of 8. One of the goals of 'Yunarmiya' is to 'increase the authority and prestige of military service in society.'

As of 2024, there are over 4,000 teenage soldiers in the so-called 'DPR', according to the statistics of the Russian government itself. 'Yunarmiya' is compared to the Hitler Youth - a youth military organization of the National Socialist German Workers' Party.

'Glavkom' also notes that the Russians create various organizations for youth, which differ only in names: 'Movement of the First', 'Wagnerenok', 'Zirnytsia', 'Zirnychka', 'Zirnytsia 2.0', 'Young Guard', 'Leader's Club', etc. These organizations conduct military-patriotic gatherings, to which children from occupied regions of Ukraine are sent.

It should be noted that Russian invaders continue the policy of militarization of children in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to expand their mobilization potential. Starting from the new academic year, a new subject 'Basics of Safety and Defense of the Motherland' has been introduced in schools in occupied territories. Within the framework of this subject, children will learn the basics of shooting, tactical, medical, and other combat training.