Russia is facing growing accusations of systematically militarising children in occupied areas of Ukraine, with the aim of preparing them for future military service and strengthening loyalty to the Kremlin.
According to reports, a campaign has been launched in the Kherson region to train high school students for military roles. The programme is reportedly carried out through the “Centre for Military-Patriotic and Sports Education of Warriors,” an organisation sanctioned for its alleged involvement in the abduction and re-education of children from occupied territories.
Training activities are said to be led by Russian military personnel and members of the so-called Donbas self-defence forces. These programmes take place both داخل Russia and in occupied areas, including schools and summer camps.
Children and teenagers are exposed to military-style activities such as drone operation training, war simulations, and patriotic exercises. At the same time, reports indicate that young people are being discouraged from pursuing higher education and instead directed toward signing military contracts immediately after finishing school.
Sources suggest these practices are designed to transform younger generations into a future pool of military recruits, normalising war and weakening Ukrainian national identity while fostering hostility toward Ukraine.
The developments have raised serious concerns among international observers about violations of children’s rights and the use of minors for military purposes in conflict zones.
