In Crimea, children in kindergartens were dressed as soldiers

In the annexed Crimea, the Russian occupation authorities continue to use May 9 as a tool for propaganda and militarization of Ukrainian children.

This is reported by Krym.Realii with reference to the Crimean Human Rights Group.

Human rights activists note that under the guise of celebrating the "Victory Day" children are being imposed the cult of war, the glorification of the Russian army and prepared for future service in the troops of the occupying power.

In particular, the so-called"Victory Parade" was held in kindergarten No. 5 "Scarlet Sails" in Kerch. Preschoolers were dressed in military uniforms of sailors, border guards, infantrymen and medics, and parents made models of airplanes, ships and military equipment. The kindergarten also hosted the "Immortal Regiment" event, which was attended by children, their parents and educators. The parade was hosted by an officer of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Similar events took place in kindergarten No. 6 "Raduga", where children and their parents were involved in the"Immortal Regiment" action with portraits of World War II participants.

In addition, Russian media reported on a"patriotic flash mob" in Sevastopol, where participants, including children, unfurled a large Russian flag and shouted pro-Russian slogans. Inkerman also hosted a hand-to-hand combat tournament called "Descendants of the Victors," which the occupation authorities called part of "patriotic education of young people."

Iryna Sedova, a researcher at the Crimean Human Rights Group, emphasized that the militarization of children in the temporarily occupied territories is accompanied by the destruction of Ukrainian identity, propaganda of violence, and the formation of a positive attitude towards war.

According to her, the occupation authorities deliberately form an association of war with a holiday among children in order to use it to popularize service in the Russian army. Human rights activists emphasize that all such facts must be documented in order to bring those involved to justice.

Андрій Колісніченко