Russians force Ukrainian children to learn Russian folk songs

Russian authorities continue to enforce a policy of forced assimilation of Ukrainian children in temporarily occupied territories, including forcing them to learn Russian folk songs.

Source: Oleksii Kharchenko, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration

Details: To impose their identity, the Russians are using kindergartens, where events with Russian cultural and ideological content are held.

Under the guise of celebrating a so-called All-Russian Folklore Day, Ukrainian children are being forced to learn Russian folk songs and games.

Quote: "The aim of these events is to erase the national identity of young Ukrainians from the earliest age, to sever their connection with their native heritage and to artificially integrate them into the hostile cultural space of the aggressor state.

The use of kindergartens for ideological indoctrination is yet another tool in a major Russification campaign that grossly violates international humanitarian law."

Kharchenko also recently reported that Russians are forcing schoolchildren from the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk Oblast to spend summer in militarised camps.

"Pupils from schools in the so-called Luhansk People's Republic are gathered in defence and sports camps during the summer. There they are prepared for 'adult life' – that is, to fight. Children learn firearms and tactical training, as well as how to operate drones. Some are being trained as snipers. After finishing school, they will be recruited to go to the front," the head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration said.

Russian forces are actively engaged in the militarisation of children in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, including through Yunarmia and cadet classes.

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