“Crimean Scenario 2.0: How the Russian Federation is Eradicating Ukrainian Identity in Children in Occupied Territories
Since the beginning of its armed aggression against Ukraine in 2014, the Russian Federation has systematically worked to erase Ukrainian identity among children and youth in the occupied territories.
Indoctrination, militarization, the deliberate removal of Ukrainian studies from education, and the promotion of war culture and service in the Russian armed forces are key elements of this criminal policy. For nearly 11 years, the aggressor state has implemented these measures through formal and non-formal education, youth movements, and an extensive network of camps.
Who is responsible for implementing this policy?
- federal authorities of the Russian Federation, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs;
- occupation administrations in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of Ukraine
- local self-government bodies;
- educational, cultural, artistic, sports, and recreational institutions (including camps);
- educational and research organizations;
- youth and children’s organizations;
- veterans’ organizations of the Russian armed forces;
- public organizations;
- the Russian Orthodox Church.
The destruction of Ukrainian identity in the occupied territories is not only actively carried out but is also systematically codified in legal and regulatory documents. These include both federal laws governing education and directives issued by occupation authorities. Additionally, “patriotic education” is promoted through recommendations, specialized programs, and projects specifically designed for the TOT.
In the report “Crimean Scenario 2.0”, experts from the CCE “Almenda” have compiled and analyzed evidence of the Russian Federation’s efforts to eradicate Ukrainian identity, militarize, and indoctrinate children in the occupied territories.
Read the report to learn:
- How the Russian Federation blocks access to Ukrainian language education in the TOT?
- What is happening inside educational institutions in the occupied territories?
- What methods the occupiers use to indoctrinate and militarize children and youth?
- Why the Kremlin promotes youth movements and how they function in the TOT?
- The hidden dangers behind so-called “recreation” programs in children’s camps.
The analytical report was prepared by the Centre for Civic Education “Almenda” as part of the project titled “Childhood Unchained: Standing Against Occupation’s Impact”. The project is implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic as part of the Transition Promotion Programme.
