The occupation administration of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea continues to involve Ukrainian children in military activities, turning them into direct participants in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
At School No. 5 in Simferopol, under the supervision of military instructors, schoolchildren are being forced to manufacture components for Russian weapons, including drone parts and rapid-charging devices for Kalashnikov rifles. The Russian occupation administration (ROA) does not even attempt to conceal these actions, falsely presenting them as a so-called “volunteer initiative.”
In reality, however, this is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law — Russia’s exploitation of children for military purposes. The spare parts produced by students are officially transferred to Russian military units actively participating in the war against Ukraine.
Beyond forced involvement in weapons production, Crimean schoolchildren are subjected to systematic militarization and propaganda. They are enrolled in paramilitary movements such as the “Yunarmiya” (Youth Army), attend meetings with Russian soldiers, and are indoctrinated with pro-war ideology from an early age. Through these shameful tactics, the occupiers seek to raise a generation fully loyal to Kremlin ideology, conditioned to serve in the occupation army in the future.
The National Resistance Center underscores that the use of children for military purposes in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories (TOT) is a grave international crime with no statute of limitations. All those responsible will inevitably face justice under international law.
You can stop the policy of the Russian invaders and their collaborators by publicizing their crimes and demanding their international prosecution. You can also participate in rallies in support of Ukraine or donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
