A Kyiv Independent investigation has revealed that high-ranking Russian officers are running military training programs for Ukrainian children in occupied territories as part of a coordinated youth militarization initiative. The programs are organized by the Warrior Center for Military and Patriotic Education, a network established in 2022 by direct orders from the Russian military command. This system is designed to cultivate a new generation of potential soldiers, preparing them for potential future conflicts.
The Kyiv Independent’s findings were corroborated by interviews with former participants and defectors who described the intense and often brutal training regimen aimed at instilling loyalty to the Russian state and the concept of a ‘New Russia’ under Moscow’s control. These programs include weapons training, field exercises, and ideological indoctrination to reinforce the legitimacy of the occupation. The extent of the militarization efforts highlights the Russian military’s strategy to secure long-term control over the occupied regions.
International observers have condemned the practice as a violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which protect children from being exploited for military purposes. The Russian government has not publicly acknowledged the existence of these programs, despite their potential implications for global security and the rights of Ukrainian children.