Russia turns schools in occupied Melitopol into military barracks for children
Photo: teenagers in the occupied territories of Ukraine (vk.com/avangard_patriot)
The enemy in the temporarily occupied city of Melitopol has begun implementing the Kremlin's program to militarize Ukrainian children called "I Serve the Fatherland." Russian army militants are actively involved in this effort, according to the National Resistance Center (NRC).
According to reports, the head of the regional association of so-called veterans of the "special military operation" (or, more accurately, the war against Ukraine), Oleksandr Ostapenko, together with local collaborators, is creating specialized military-style classes for senior students in local schools, which are being turned into barracks.
"Russian invaders are doing everything to turn our children into a future mobilization reserve, preparing them for service in the Russian army," the statement says.
The NRC emphasized that through such "educational" initiatives, Russian authorities are trying to create a new generation that will be loyal to the occupiers and ready to participate in wars for the Kremlin's interests.
Recently, it was revealed that the Kremlin's occupation authorities plan to double the number of students in military training schools by the end of this academic year. This will primarily take place at the Nakhimov Naval School in Mariupol.
Russia is recruiting students from the occupied town of Starobilsk, Luhansk region, to fight against Ukraine. Flyers being distributed promise financial rewards for joining.
