1800 Ukrainian children were attracted by the Russian Federation to the “Youth Army” in the TOT in the Zaporizhzhia region: Ivan Fedorov
The authorities of the Russian Federation in the temporarily captured territories of the Zaporizhia region continue to actively influence Ukrainian children, trying to form pro-Russian attitudes among them. Involvement of minors in military and propaganda organizations became another step in this strategy. The most telling example is the recruitment of children to “Unarmy” – a military-patriotic movement created by the Ministry of Defense of Russia.
On March 10, Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration reported that today 1,800 Ukrainian children have already been involved in “Yunarmia” at the TOT of the Zaporizhzhia region. This indicates a large-scale propaganda campaign, which is unfolding among young people in the occupied territories.
“1,800 children are already involved in the “youth army” and other paramilitary organizations that are preparing new cannon fodder for the enemy’s army.
From the ninth grade, children are taught to use weapons. Schoolchildren are brainwashed and forced to hate Ukraine.
The enemy cripples destinies and tries to raise a new generation that does not know what freedom is. – Fedorov stated.
“Yunarmia” is not just an organization for entertainment or education, it is a clearly structured propaganda tool. The main goal of the movement is the militarization of youth and the creation among children of the image of Russia as a single state, to which they must adhere. Children are forced to take an “oath of loyalty to the Russian Federation”, to promise to “protect its interests”, to nurture “great patriotism”. In addition, they are taught how to control drones, the basics of military affairs and the tactics of conducting combat operations.
During 2024, the Russian Federation created 23 new units of the “Unarmy” in the temporarily occupied territories of the Zaporizhzhia region. This is part of a large-scale program on the militarization of youth, which is implemented under the guise of “military-patriotic education.” The forced involvement of children in such organizations is contrary to international humanitarian law and is a gross violation of human rights, including the right of children to be protected from forced militarization.
This situation causes serious concern among the Ukrainian authorities, international human rights organizations and representatives of the world community. Recruiting children in the occupied territories is not only a violation of moral norms, but also a threat to their future.
In addition to trying to form pro-Russian attitudes among children, the occupiers are trying to eradicate Ukrainian identity by introducing Russian culture, language and history, distorting facts and teaching children the “correct” version of events from the occupiers’ point of view.
Official Kyiv calls on the international community to intervene and help protect Ukrainian children in the occupied territories from forced militarization. Returning to a peaceful life, restoring children’s rights and ensuring their right to education and development in a free environment is a priority for the Ukrainian authorities.
The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of the Zaporizhzhia region is another reminder of how important the struggle for freedom and independence of Ukraine is, especially in conditions when the enemy tries to influence even the youngest generation, shaping its worldview with the help of violent propaganda and coercion.
