Russia targets Ukrainian children for military indoctrination in occupied regions

Russian authorities in occupied regions of Ukraine are systematically targeting Ukrainian children with aggressive indoctrination and militarization programs. These efforts include banning the Ukrainian language, distorting history lessons to portray Ukraine as an enemy, and sending children to "re-education camps" where they face harsh conditions and are exposed to pro-Russian propaganda. In cities like Mariupol and Henichesk, children participate in military-patriotic games, learn to handle weapons, assemble drones, and are encouraged to aspire to careers in Russian security agencies. Russian security forces, including Rosgvardia, regularly visit schools to promote enrollment in military and law enforcement institutions, using recruitment drives that frame such careers as prestigious and beneficial. These activities aim both to erase Ukrainian identity and to build a future pool of loyal recruits for the Russian military and security services. Ukrainian officials and international observers have condemned these actions as violations of humanitarian law and war crimes.