Why russia forces Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories into paramilitary groups
The russian authorities, exploiting the memory of World War II, are using events under the so-called “Year of the defender of the fatherland” to further militarize society. Particularly in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
In schools across the temporarily occupied territories (TOT), over 100 “cadet classes” have been established, where children are trained for future military service. These “cadets” are subjected to ideological indoctrination, wear military uniforms, and are taught drill and combat tactics.
In occupied Crimea, alongside the “cadet classes,” children are also actively involved in the so-called “yunarmiya” (youth army). Currently, the number of Crimean “yunarmiya” members has exceeded 15,000. These children are being trained as future officers of the russian army and taught how to handle explosive devices.
The russian authorities are investing heavily in the militarization of youth in the occupied territories of Ukraine, aiming to alter the identity of children and teenagers. The ultimate goal of russia is to exploit the human potential of TOT to sustain its war against Ukraine.
