Russia uses military personnel to train children in occupied territories

Russia is transforming schools in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories into centers for militarizing children, employing military personnel with combat experience, including those who’ve been discharged for psychological disorders to teach students.

The National Resistance Center (NRC) reports that “children are being subjected to military training ranging from mock weapons and military gear to drones and unmanned aerial vehicle flight simulators.”

“Military personnel from the Russian Armed Forces are being deployed en masse to teach in the occupied territories, including those discharged due to psychological instability. Some of these individuals were barred from active service because of their mental health, but are now being given access to classrooms,” the NRC said.

The official explanation is simple: “staff shortages.” 

The actual goal, however, is to use individuals with combat experience to directly indoctrinate children militarily.

According to the NRC, “regional ‘education departments’ have received an unofficial directive to fill vacancies with instructors with practical military experience, regardless of their pedagogical training. Priority is given to teachers who have fought and can transmit the ‘right’ narratives.”

Meanwhile, lists of nearly 90 militarized equipment items have been approved, with a particular focus on drones, which has revolutionized modern warfare.

“Effectively, this is not education but early preparation for war. Under the guise of ‘technical creativity,’ students are being trained to handle weapons, follow military discipline, and think like soldiers,” the NRC said.

Read more: Report: Russia weaponizes Ukrainian children through forced ‘re-education’ camps

The Ukrainian World Congress, together with its member organizations and partners worldwide, has launched a global campaign, “Stand With Ukraine: Protect Future Generations,” marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Events leading up to Feb. 24 can be registered on the special interactive map at https://uaworldmap.ukrainianworldcongress.org/, where materials for global events are also available.