How russia militarizes youth in the TOT through esports
In the temporarily occupied parts of Donetsk region, russian forces are increasingly integrating esports into the system of militarized youth indoctrination. The “people’s front” movement has been officially involved in laser tag training for esports participants affiliated with the so-called “dpr.”
▫️ The involvement of the “people’s front” is indicative. This structure was established on the initiative of vladimir putin and is closely linked to russia’s security apparatus. Among other activities, it supports russian military personnel, works with veterans, provides training in tactical medicine, and conducts basic military instruction, including for schoolchildren and young people.
Within this framework, laser tag is used as an initial form of military socialization. Team tactics and combat simulation are presented as sport and entertainment, but in practice they prepare adolescents to perceive war as a norm. The occupiers are turning esports into yet another channel for forming a loyal and controllable mobilization resource.
The Center has also documented other cases of russia using video games and esports to militarize children and adolescents.
