A Kremlin-funded military-patriotic camp for children in Siberia is facing disturbing allegations of systematic violence, with an 11-year-old boy reportedly returning home covered in bruises and suffering from a spinal fracture after a 12-day session.
His mother alleges that he was repeatedly beaten by older boys and that his complaints to camp staff were ignored. Other parents have since described similar incidents, including children allegedly being punched, assaulted, forced to swallow liquid soap and subjected to violent punishments.
But the most disturbing part may be the ideology behind the camp.
Bogatyrskaya Zastava presents itself as a place for raising future “warrior-defenders of the Motherland.” Its programme includes military drills, hand-to-hand combat, drones, camouflage, knife throwing, obstacle courses and marches.
The camp operates with the involvement of the Russian Orthodox Church and has received state funding. It is also supported by an ultranationalist organization.
Its director has previously defended the harsh approach, saying children still cry but that commanders should not comfort or “pamper” them.
Think about that.
Children are allegedly being taught that pain must be endured, violence must be accepted and obedience must come before compassion — all under the banner of patriotism.
This is what happens when militarism is introduced into childhood and presented as national duty.
The Kremlin speaks constantly about protecting children and defending traditional values.
Yet in these camps, children are reportedly being prepared not simply to love their country, but to accept violence as part of their identity.
A government does not need to send every child to war to militarise a generation.
It only needs to teach them from childhood that war, obedience and violence are normal.
