Russia expands military training for schoolchildren: new programme to be extended to occupied territories

From 1 September 2026, basic military training for students in Years 6-11 in Russian schools, taught as part of the Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland subject, will make up 50% of teaching time, up from 20% previously.

Source: Eastern Human Rights Group on Facebook

Details: This model will also be extended to schools in temporarily occupied territories.

The Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland curriculum includes the study of unmanned aerial vehicles and the holding of training camps.

In addition, the occupying authorities in Donetsk Oblast have approved a comprehensive plan for preparing citizens for military service and military-patriotic education. It runs for 10 years, until 2036. Under the plan, the population will be:

• trained in military accounting specialities
• taught the basics of drone operation, including young people of pre-conscription and conscription age
• given engineering training.

Meanwhile, in occupied Kherson Oblast, young people receiving vocational education are being taught to operate, service and repair drones.

In Luhansk Oblast, the occupying authorities are drawing children and teenagers into Russian youth, cadet, party and so-called volunteer structures. The network of organisations implementing Russia's model of so-called "patriotic education" is also being expanded there.

Quote: "The focus on children and young people has a fairly pragmatic goal – forming a future mobilisation reserve, both in terms of skills and worldview. In a controlled information environment, a child can be indoctrinated for years with a cult of war, military service, 'heroic death' and unconditional service to the state. At the same time, they gain practical skills that shorten the time needed for future military training."

Details: The human rights group points out that these processes involve not only boys but also girls, significantly increasing Russia's mobilisation reserve.

Background: Over the course of one week in June, 15 children and teenagers were brought back from occupation to Ukrainian-controlled territory. They had not wanted to attend Russian schools and were avoiding mobilisation.

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