In occupied Crimea, Russian authorities are leveraging Victory Day on May 9 as a significant tool for propaganda aimed at the ideological indoctrination and militarization of Ukrainian children. This day has increasingly become a celebration of war, where children are taught to glorify the Russian military and are prepared for future service, according to a report by the Crimean Human Rights Group, as cited by the Radio Free Europe project, Crimea.Realities.
Researcher Irina Sedova from the Crimean Human Rights Group highlighted that the militarization of children’s consciousness in occupied Ukrainian territories involves the erasure of national identity among Ukrainian children, the promotion of a culture of violence and war, and the encouragement of military service in the occupying state among residents of the temporarily occupied territories. A key aspect of this militarization is the manipulation of World War II archetypes, portraying Russians as heroic victors and Ukrainians as their Nazi enemies.
According to Sedova, this ideology is instilled in children from preschool age, with participation in militaristic events at such a young age adversely affecting their mental health. It undermines universal values of peace and fosters a positive attitude towards war and the use of weapons.
Human rights advocates argue that organizing militaristic celebrations for children aims to create associations between war and festivity in young minds. “The occupiers employ this tactic to further promote military service in their army. Such actions by the occupying authorities and affiliated militaristic groups are unacceptable. All these incidents must be meticulously documented to hold accountable those involved in such activities,” Sedova stated.
For instance, in Kerch, a local kindergarten held a so-called “Victory Parade.” Parents crafted models of airplanes, ships, military vehicles, and motorcycles. The event featured a display of military protection systems. Young children dressed as sailors, border guards, pilots, infantry, and military medics participated in the procession, which also included the “Immortal Regiment.” The parade was attended not only by children but also by parents, educators, and invited guests, with an officer from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations officiating.
Additionally, at the “Rainbow” kindergarten, another event related to the “Immortal Regiment” took place. Children, along with their parents, prepared portraits of their relatives who participated in the war and created banners.
Russian media in Crimea reported that in Sevastopol, individuals described as “originating from Ukraine” allegedly organized a patriotic flash mob involving both adults and children. Participants unfurled a large Russian flag while chanting phrases such as “Happy Victory Day” and “We Remember,” according to local media.
In Inkerman, an annual hand-to-hand combat tournament titled “Heirs of the Victors” was held. Russian authorities emphasized that the event was part of the city’s “patriotic and sports events,” uniting young athletes, parents, and residents in the lead-up to the significant holiday.
Russian authorities in occupied Crimea are utilizing Victory Day to promote militarization among children, instilling ideologies that glorify the military and erase Ukrainian identity. Events in local kindergartens and communities serve to reinforce these narratives, raising concerns among human rights advocates about the psychological impact on young participants.
Source: Radio Free Europe