🟫 Militarized by occupiers: A Mariupol teen ends up in the Russian army

Viacheslav Buravkin was 14 when his city was occupied. After five years of systematic militarization, he is serving in the Russian army.

🟫 Raising future soldiers

In the occupied territories, Russia is systematically creating an environment where military service becomes part of everyday life from childhood.

This is promoted through the Yunarmiya youth movement, military-patriotic classes and camps, weapons training, and drone courses.

Schools are being transformed into spaces where children become accustomed to weapons and military symbolism from an early age.

🟫 Mariupol's military youth programs

In 2025, occupation authorities opened a "Yunarmiya House" in Mariupol at School No. 26. Children as young as eight are expected to participate.

Students receive training in shooting, mine-clearing techniques, and drone operations.

Since 2026, Mariupol schools have also introduced special "Cossack classes" for fifth-grade students, complete with uniforms and military training.

🟫 Military training in schools

The occupation authorities continue to expand the military component of education.

Children are introduced to Russian military symbols, weapons, drones, and the history of the Russian army.

Since 2026, military training has accounted for 50% of the curriculum in the subject Fundamentals of Security and Homeland Defense for students in grades 6–11.

Security officials regularly visit schools to conduct so-called "courage lessons".

🟫 From the classroom to the army

Militarization begins in school, is reinforced through clubs and military classes, and may ultimately lead to service in the Russian army.

The Kremlin is deliberately investing resources to ensure that children growing up under occupation view military service as a natural continuation of life.

This is how Russia is preparing a new generation for a life built around war.

[Source: Center for Countering Information Aggression and Occupation]