The problem of militarization of children in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine is one of the most acute and tragic issues that have arisen in the context of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the occupation of part of Donbas, Russian authorities have been actively engaging children in the militarization process, which has become the main element of ideological influence on the younger generation.
Russian occupation administrations use children for propaganda purposes, turning them into participants in pro-war events and instilling in them loyalty to the aggressive policies pursued by the Kremlin. The funding that the Russian government allocates for programs to militarize Ukrainian children has increased by magnitudes, from RUB 4 billion to a staggering RUB 46 billion! This clearly demonstrates the scale and seriousness of the intentions underlying this policy.
The systemic militarization of children in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine pursues several key goals. First of all, this is about forming firm loyalty to the Russian occupation authorities in children and instilling anti-Ukrainian sentiments. An important role in the process is assigned to propaganda campaigns organized by the Russian authorities, aimed at portraying Ukraine and the West in general as enemies.
The Russian occupation authorities employ various tools to engage children in militarized structures. Military-patriotic clubs, such as Yunarmiya, operate under the direct control of the Russian government. These clubs set up camps for children, where they are trained in military skills, fed Kremlin-approved ideology, and told to participate in symbolic events glorifying the Russian army and military efforts against Ukraine.
In addition, Russian educational curricula in the occupied territories have been radically changed and now include courses in “patriotic education”, where the main focus is on glorifying Russia’s war campaign and promoting the ideology of the “Russian world”. Textbooks justify Russian aggression and the annexation of Crimea, distort historical facts, and promote a hostile attitude towards Ukraine. The militarization of children in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine has long-term and devastating consequences for both individuals and society as a whole. Children subjected to systemic militarization are raised in an atmosphere of hate and hostility, which makes it difficult for them to integrate into peaceful societies and increases the risk of future conflicts.
Of particular concern is the devastating impact on the mental health of children subjected to militarization. Many of them face post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Lack of access to quality education, health care and psychological support further exacerbates these problems.
Russia’s actions aimed at militarizing children in the occupied territories of Ukraine grossly violate international norms and agreements, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits the use of children in armed conflict and requires their protection from all forms of violence and exploitation.
The international community is increasingly drawing attention to the violations committed by Russia against children. Thus, in March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. These warrants were issued on charges of illegally deporting Ukrainian children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia, their systematic ideological indoctrination and exploitation as propaganda tools and potential participants in hostilities. All of this qualifies as war crimes.
The issuance of these warrants was a landmark event in international efforts to bring to justice those responsible for gross human rights violations and war crimes. The step by the ICC shows that the international community understands the scale and graveness of the crimes committed by Russia against Ukrainian children, and intends to seek justice.
To counter these actions, it is necessary to continue international pressure on Russia, strengthen sanctions and bring to justice all those involved in the militarization of children. It is also important to support Ukrainian children affected by these actions by providing them with access to education, medical care and psychological support, which will help them recover and integrate into peaceful society.
One of the striking examples of ongoing assistance to Ukrainian children affected by war is the active support coming from Italy. Within the framework of the recovery and rehabilitation programs hosted by Italy, since Russia’s full-scale invasion, more than 3,000 Ukrainian children from the occupied territories have undergone treatment and rehabilitation. These programs have been implemented in various cities across Italy, including Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan, and others, where children are provided with medical care, psychological support, and the opportunity to recover from the stress they have been subjected to. Children are also accommodated in resort areas on the coasts of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, in regions such as Tuscany and Sardinia. There, little Ukrainians receive access to the necessary resources to restore their physical and emotional health. Psychological support provided by Italian specialists is aimed at helping children overcome the traumatic experiences associated with war and forced displacement. The programs backed by the Italian authorities in cooperation with international humanitarian organizations are aimed not only at immediate recovery, but also at long-term support for children, including educational and social projects aimed at integration and adaptation. It is important to note that Italy is actively involved in intergovernmental initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of Ukrainian children and their possible return to Ukraine as the situation stabilizes. In addition to the humanitarian, medical, and financial support provided by international partners, in the context of ongoing Russian aggression, it is vital that Ukraine receives regular supplies of air defense systems and modern weaponry. These measures will not only protect the civilian population, but also speed up the liberation of territories where children are exposed to massive ideological pressure.
On July 21, the tour of the Ukrainian 3rd Separate Assault Brigadein Europe began. It is one of the most famous and experiencedassault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose fightersliterally went through fire and water, participated in battles on thehottest and most strategically important sections of the front.
