In Russian-occupied Crimea, the occupation authorities have become increasingly concerned about rising pro-Ukrainian sentiment among teenagers. This was reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Crimea.Realities project.
Ukrainian Youth Show Growing Resistance
An activist from Crimea involved in the international #LiberateCrimea campaign, speaking anonymously, said that Russia’s Ministry of Education and Science in Crimea has been instructed to strengthen pro-Russian propaganda in schools and other educational institutions. According to the activist, occupation authorities also plan to involve teenagers as much as possible in clubs, sports sections, and extracurricular activities. He noted that Crimean teenagers are increasingly engaging with pro-Ukrainian information sources and volunteers. Some are learning the Ukrainian language and using it in everyday communication.
“After finishing school, some leave for Ukrainian-controlled territory and even give brave interviews, which shows the failure of Russian propaganda in school and student environments,” the activist said.
Occupation Authorities Increase Control and Propaganda Efforts
The activist reported that Russian officials and security services recently held a closed meeting on the issue. They reportedly decided to tighten control over young people in Crimea. Last week, parents received messages in school group chats encouraging children to join clubs and organized activities. School administrations presented these activities as a way to reduce the “risk of extremist propaganda influence.” Parents also received advice to monitor their children’s social circles and the information they consume. Messages from school administrations urged parents to discuss political and social developments, ensure structured leisure activities. They also want parents to pay attention to what children watch, read, and access online.
Crimea.Realities reports that Russian authorities acknowledge that Crimean children and teenagers have increasingly been assisting Ukrainian security services in resisting Russian rule.
Russia’s Mobilization in Occupied Territories
Russia occupied Crimea in 2014. A civil resistance movement known as Yellow Ribbon continues to operate on the peninsula.
On February 7, activists reported that occupation authorities have intensified propaganda aimed at recruiting residents of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories into the Russian army. Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has stated that Russia has mobilized the largest number of people into its forces from Crimea. Occupation authorities send around 5,000 people from the peninsula to fight each year.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Russia had asked the UN whether it was possible to recognize the right to self-determination for the “peoples of Donbas and Crimea,” similar to the case of Greenland. The UN rejected the request.
