Russia is reportedly brainwashing children to create loyal supporters for Putin.
Moscow: Russia is reportedly creating an army of “child zombies.” This plan aims to turn kids into loyal supporters of the Kremlin and enemies of the West.
Experts say Putin is brainwashing schoolchildren. This effort is to prevent them from criticizing the Russian government.
Since the Ukraine invasion in 2022, Russia has intensified its control over youth. The Kremlin introduced “Three Pillars” of propaganda to promote pro-Putin ideologies.
These tactics include mandatory patriotic education and altering Russian history to fit the Kremlin’s narrative. The goal is to ensure the youth support the regime.
Mikhail Komin, a Russia expert, believes this will create a generation loyal to Putin. He says the regime feels it needs popular support more than ever.
Dr. Maxim Alyukov explains that Putin sees children as a threat. By shaping their views early, the government hopes to influence their political attitudes.
Children are often used to justify repressive measures. Framing these actions as necessary for their protection faces less public resistance.
The first pillar of propaganda is compulsory patriotic education. This teaches kids a Kremlin-approved view of current events and history.
Russia has introduced a class called “Conversations About Important Things.” This class is taught every Monday in public schools.
The lessons promote a distorted view of Russia and its values. They aim to instill conservatism and traditional feminism in young minds.
After the Ukraine war began, the government changed history textbooks. The new curriculum presents a pro-Kremlin version of history.
Dr. Alyukov notes that the textbooks downplay Stalin’s repressions. They also frame the West as the main culprit in international conflicts.
The new history lessons include chapters on the Ukraine invasion. These chapters align with the Kremlin’s views, calling it a “special military operation.”
The second pillar includes extracurricular activities. Schools now host meetings with war veterans and patriotic art sessions.
A Toy Called Kalashnikov
Dr. Alyukov mentions military-patriotic organizations teaching kids to assemble weapons. The Kremlin also uses digital media to reach younger audiences.
They invest in patriotic influencers to spread state-approved narratives. These creators use humor and trends to connect with youth.
Mr. Komin says the third pillar is limiting access to independent information. Russian authorities block Western websites and apps.
State media has increased its online presence to fill the gaps. Bots amplify pro-regime sources while downplaying opposition voices.
Dr. Alyukov states that escaping pro-regime narratives is nearly impossible for young users. Even critical voices face confusion and doubt.
Many teachers dislike teaching state propaganda but feel they have no choice. Most come from humble backgrounds and need their jobs.
In Belarus, thousands of Ukrainian children have been abducted. Experts warn this could be a chilling attempt to build a new army for Putin.
Ukrainian advocates say these actions amount to genocide. Evidence shows children are taken from families and sent to Belarus for indoctrination.
These children may be trained to fight for the Belarusian army. The goal is to erase their Ukrainian identity and militarize them.
Investigators estimate 3,000 to 6,000 kids have been taken. The situation is murky, making it hard to track their movements.
Belarus aims to glorify war and indoctrinate these children quickly. Some kids are sent to Russia or returned to Russian-held territories.
These camps brainwash children, forcing them to speak Russian and join military movements. This effort is funded by the Russian Federation.
Britain’s ambassador to Ukraine calls these kidnappings part of a hybrid invasion. This strategy aims to sever ties between Ukraine and its future defenders.
Rashevska emphasizes that this assault on children’s identity shows genocidal intent.
