Occupied Crimea trains 50 children to fly military drones and fire rifles

Russian occupation authorities in Crimea are instructing children and young adults to operate combat drones and fire assault rifles. Ukrainian Defence Intelligence reports that the training programs utilize actual military equipment from the Russian armed forces. This includes simulators, live drones, and Kalashnikov rifles that students are taught to disassemble.

The initiative targets students in Sevastopol. In late October, approximately 50 schoolchildren between the ages of seven and 18 qualified for the regional stage of competitions. These events were organized by the Russian Movement of the First and the Drone Racing Federation. The curriculum extends to university students in the city, who also receive instruction on drone operations using the same military-grade hardware.

The training is part of a wider effort to militarize the education system in occupied territories. Russian forces hold classes where children learn to shoot and march in formation. The DIU notes that students participate in military and patriotic games. These challenges often involve veterans of the war against Ukraine. The curriculum also requires students to learn songs by Russian pro-war propagandist singers.

This development follows a March report by Ukrainska Pravda regarding similar efforts to teach schoolchildren to operate combat drones. Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence stated that these classes are conducted by Russian military personnel who have fought against Ukraine. The instruction is part of a federal course titled Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland. The subject has been introduced in Kursk, Nizhny Novgorod, and Vologda oblasts. In Vladivostok, authorities planned to integrate drone knowledge into mathematics and physics lessons.

Occupation authorities are also recruiting civilians into Russian security agencies. They encourage residents to sign contracts to serve in the Unmanned Systems Forces. Individuals who fought against Ukraine are being appointed to senior positions within the occupation administrations. Schools in the region have installed memorial plaques commemorating Russian soldiers killed in the conflict.

The DIU asserts that these measures aim to normalize military technology for young people. A statement from the agency described Russia as creating an environment where war is a standard part of childhood. The goal is to raise a generation for which military training and hostility toward Ukraine are the norm. This strategy is intended to justify Russian aggression and maintain control over Crimea.

The next phase of the regional drone competitions for the 50 qualified students in Sevastopol has not been publicly scheduled. The occupation administration continues to expand the Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland course in occupied schools.