Russians force children into assimilation programs in occupied Kherson

In the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, Russian authorities are forcibly indoctrinating children in colonial-style assimilation programs that are aimed at eradicating their Ukrainian identity under the guise of cultural exchange.

The National Resistance Center (NRC) reported that “Ukrainian songs, symbols, and language are being systematically removed from the educational process.”

“In the occupied territories of Kherson, the occupation administration launched another stage of forced assimilation under the banner of the ‘Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia,’” the NRC said. 

The event took place at a school in the Kalanchak district, with a particular focus on showing “gratitude” to Moldova, designated as a so-called supervising region. Although presented as a student initiative, the program’s script, repertoire, and format “were approved from above.”

“Under the pretext of cultural exchange, students are forced to perform Russian and quasi-imperial narratives — Lezginka dances, Mordovian motifs, and Russian songs — completely replacing Ukrainian identity,” the report added.

Instead of Ukrainian culture, children are being brainwashed into believing about a “unified people” and loyalty to the aggressor state.

Participation in these activities has effectively become mandatory. School directors have reportedly received unofficial orders to form student groups loyal to the occupation and report the number of participants. Those who refuse face threats that include obstacles with evaluations, preventative meetings with parents, and restricted access to school programs and benefits.

By turning schools into tools of propaganda, the occupation administration is deliberately undermining the Ukrainian identity of children, creating a generation with traumatized self-identity and dependence on Russia’s repressive system, the NRC warned.

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.