Thus, since the temporary occupation of the Kherson region, the Russian authorities have been actively taking measures aimed at militarizing children and youth in general. One of the key tools of this process is the involvement of minors in the so-called “Unarmy” – a Russian paramilitary organization created to educate children in the so-called spirit of “patriotism”, loyalty to the Russian regime and preparation for future military service in the occupation army.
Therefore, the occupation administrations are conducting a large-scale campaign to recruit Ukrainian children to the “Unarmy”. The process often takes place under duress or through psychological pressure. Schoolchildren are forced to write applications to join the organization, and parents are threatened with social sanctions if their children refuse to participate in “patriotic” activities.
The forced involvement of children in this organization is carried out through preparatory activities. The main one is propaganda in schools. In fact, this is the most important vector of criminal activity, as so-called teachers appointed by the occupation authorities conduct classes where they impose Russian ideology on children, talk about the “heroism” of the Russian army and criticize not only the Defense Forces but also Ukraine as a whole. There are also extracurricular activities in which young people are voluntarily forced to participate in military training, where they learn the basics of shooting, tactics, etc. For this, the occupiers promise material incentives or privileges. Among them are gifts, trips to Russia, or the opportunity to receive so-called benefits when entering educational institutions on the territory of the aggressor state. In this context, the occupiers exert pressure on parents, as in case of disagreement or refusal to cooperate with the occupiers, they may be deprived of parental rights.
Thus, the occupation authorities use the “Yunarmiya” as a propaganda tool to form a hostile attitude towards Ukraine and its independence in children. School curricula have been changed in accordance with Russian standards, and Ukrainian history and culture are being pushed out of the educational process. Children are taught myths about “unity” with Russia, the “injustice” of the collapse of the USSR, and the demonization of the Ukrainian army and European values. All of this is aimed at raising a new generation that will identify themselves not as Ukrainians, but as part of the “Russian world.”
The National Resistance Center calls on parents not to cooperate with the occupation regime in any way and not to agree to their children’s entry into the “Unarmy”, as this organization is disguised as “patriotic education”, but in fact turns children into tools of propaganda and future “cannon fodder”.
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.
