Students in Crimea Forced to Donate Blood for Russian Military, Activists Say

In one of the medical universities in the Russian-annexed Crimea, students are being forced to donate blood for the Russian military.

According to activists of the Yellow Ribbon movement, officially it is a "voluntary action," but students and teachers are forced to register as donors.

"Students are promised extra points for regular blood donations to the Russian armed forces throughout the year," the movement said.

Earlier, on the occupied Crimean peninsula, the Russian occupiers held a propaganda event for teenagers aimed at preparing young people for mobilization. Students and university professors were forced to attend the event "opening the year of the defender of the fatherland". Representatives of the Storm assault unit of the 810th Marine Brigade of the enemy army spoke to the youth. This unit was manned not only by mobilized soldiers, but also by former prisoners, including those convicted of serious crimes.

In addition, the invaders are trying to recruit new so-called"volunteers" through universities, using blackmail and threats.

Also, in one of the local schools, students are involved in the manufacture of parts for Russian weapons, including components for drones and elements for charging Kalashnikov rifles. In addition, in the temporarily occupied territories, the invaders are creating engineering classes to teach teenagers how to assemble drones for the needs of the Russian army. The classes are being opened with the support of the occupation administrations, including the so-called ministries of education. The Russians have already approved a program to expand the network of these classes by 2030.

Олеся Ланцман