Faces of russian propaganda in the TOT: nikita averkin
The CCD continues its series of reports about the key perpetrators of ru-propaganda in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Today, we will introduce nikita averkin, a propagandist actively involved in the ideological indoctrination of children and youth in occupied Mariupol.
Before the full-scale invasion, averkin ran a security company and worked as an instructor for the Federation of service and sports dog breeding.
After the russian occupation began in 2022, he chose to collaborate with the invaders. Despite lacking experience in working with children or youth, he accepted the position of “head of the department for youth policy of the administration of Mariupol” under the dpr”. Currently, he serves as a deputy in Mariupol’s occupation city council and leads the local branch of the “Young Guard,” a youth organization affiliated with russia’s ruling “united russia” party.
averkin organizes kremlin-style “patriotic” events for children and youth in Mariupol, which propaganda outlets present as demonstrations of “care for children.” He also engages with russian politicians and coordinates with youth organizations from the aggressor state. Additionally, averkin played an active role in campaigning for participation in illegal elections in the occupied territories.
A Ukrainian court sentenced averkin in absentia for collaboration. He was sentenced to the maximum penalty under the sanction of the article – 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.
