Analytical Report: How Russia Erases Ukrainian Identity Under the Guise of Combating ExtremismAnalytical Report:
Since 2014, the Russian Federation has waged not only a war against Ukraine but has also built a system of ideological control and assimilation in the temporarily occupied territories.
Russia presents its “fight against extremism” as a mechanism of state security. In reality, this policy is directed at persecuting those who preserve Ukrainian culture, language, and identity. Children are under the greatest pressure.
Anti-extremist legislation, together with the updated Strategy to Counter Extremism (2024), introduces educational, indoctrination, and law enforcement practices. These displace the Ukrainian language and symbols, erase patriotic education, and impose an “all-Russian identity.”
The report provides information on how Russia uses “countering extremism” for:
- ideological indoctrination and assimilation of children in the TOT;
- persecution, intimidation, and psychological pressure on schoolchildren;
- erasure of Ukrainian culture, language, and national identity;
- creating grounds for holding perpetrators accountable at the international level.
The document also analyses Russian legislation, cites cases of persecution in schools, defines the categories Russia labels as “extremist,” and assesses the long-term consequences for children and young people. It further examines international legal steps aimed at safeguarding Ukrainian identity.
Report was prepared by the Center for Civic Education “Almenda” within the framework of the project “Defending Identity: Protecting Ukrainian Children in Occupied Territories”. The content of this document is the sole responsibility of the Public Organization “Center for Civic Education “Almenda” and does not necessarily reflect the position of Civil Rights Defenders.
