In the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia, Russians have begun the process of registering documents of Cossack organizations. From now on, they will only be registered. According to the Kremlin’s supervisors, martial law is in effect in the region and it is unacceptable for Cossacks to engage in social activities in this situation. This means that all these “volunteers” automatically become a mobilization reserve for the Russian army.
In addition, two Cossack classes are currently being formed in local schools in Berdiansk district. The invaders plan to set up such classes in all educational institutions of occupied Ukraine, turning Cossack organizations that have nothing to do with the historical Ukrainian Cossacks into a tool of their propaganda.
Since the beginning of the occupation of Ukraine, “Cossack” groups have been involved in the militarization of the population, as well as in repressions against those who disagree with the occupation authorities. They do not act as defenders of the people, but as an instrument of control and terror that undermines the true values of the Ukrainian Cossacks.
