Editor’s note: Some names, including Oksana’s, have been changed for security reasons.
Oksana was just 14 when Russia occupied her village, and only 16 when Russian forces began training and indoctrinating her to fight against Ukraine. The report highlights the systematic recruitment of Ukrainian children into military programs, often under the guise of educational or developmental initiatives. These camps, located in various regions including outside Moscow, are designed to not only equip young recruits with military skills but also to instill a deep-seated loyalty to Russia’s military objectives.
The investigation has uncovered testimonies from multiple sources who describe a chilling process of brainwashing that begins at an early age. Children are taught to view their homeland as an enemy, and they are encouraged to see their actions as a form of patriotism. This approach has led to the creation of a new generation of fighters who are indoctrinated from a young age, raising serious ethical and humanitarian concerns.
While the report does not provide specific details on the scale of these operations, it emphasizes the ongoing threat to the future of Ukrainian children. The use of minors in military activities is a violation of international law and has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations. The long-term impact of such practices could have lasting consequences for both the children involved and the broader Ukrainian society.