A recent report has uncovered the alarming situation where Russia is forcibly “re-educating” around 20,000 children taken from Ukraine. These children are being coerced into participating in military training activities at various facilities across Russia.
Investigators have identified over 200 locations, such as cadet schools and military bases, that are involved in a large-scale deportation scheme to transfer Ukrainian children to Russia. Some of these sites are engaged in systematic re-education efforts, with military drills, combat training, and the preparation of drones and other equipment observed at 40 locations.
Ukrainian officials expressed shock at the report’s findings. The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, emphasized the vulnerability of children in armed conflicts and condemned Russia’s actions. Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa called for the immediate return of Ukrainian children, highlighting the tragic impact of their forced re-education and militarization.
The investigation was conducted by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health. Executive Director Nathaniel Raymond revealed the extensive network of facilities in Russia militarizing and re-educating Ukrainian children, spanning from the Black Sea to Siberia and the Pacific Coast.
The report, titled ‘Ukraine’s Stolen Children: Inside Russia’s Network of Re-education and Militarization,’ identified various types of sites where children are held, including cadet schools, military bases, and camps. It also noted the presence of cultural, patriotic, and military programs promoting pro-Russian narratives at many of these locations.
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