In the occupied territories, Russia is recruiting schoolchildren into drone units
In the temporarily occupied territories, Russian authorities are gathering information on children with drone piloting skills. Schoolchildren who have participated in military clubs may be recruited into programs related to the Russian Federation’s drone forces.
This was reported by the Center for National Resistance.
According to the Center, school principals are providing the occupying authorities with lists of teenagers who attended so-called “homeland defense” classes, military clubs, or drone piloting training.
The Center for National Resistance reported that during recent graduation ceremonies, individual “interviews” were already being conducted with graduates. According to the Center’s sources, this took place either during the ceremonies or immediately afterward.
The teenagers were promised free education in Russia, a “career as a UAV operator,” and preferential treatment for enlistment in the Russian military. The NRC stated that in this way, the Russians are attempting to draw Ukrainian children into the war even before they receive their diplomas.
According to the Center for National Resistance, in some schools, graduation ceremonies were held without parents present. The occupying authorities explained this as “anti-terrorist measures” and the threat of airstrikes.
The NRC believes that under such conditions, Russian military personnel could exert psychological pressure on children without their families present.
As a reminder, the EU has expanded sanctions against Russia for the abduction of Ukrainian children.
Panama, Switzerland, and Cyprus have officially joined the international coalition to rescue deported minors. The coalition now comprises 46 countries and three international organizations, underscoring the global attention to Russia’s crimes.
