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Russian occupiers in Kherson region launch “Zarnitsa 2.0” military game targeting children
Russian occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied Kherson region have established a headquarters to implement “Zarnitsa 2.0,” a military-patriotic game designed to militarize Ukrainian children. According to a report from the Center for Countering Disinformation (CPD) of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, the initiative represents a systematic effort to indoctrinate young Ukrainians in occupied territories.
Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed administrator of the occupied Kherson region, announced the formation of the organizational headquarters, which includes representatives from occupation authorities, Rosgvardia (Russian National Guard), the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the “Yunarmia” youth army movement, student corps, and various public organizations.
The CPD emphasized that “Zarnitsa 2.0” is not merely a sports activity but rather a calculated instrument of military preparation targeting teenagers. The program aims to normalize violence, instill reverence for the Russian military, and cultivate loyalty to Moscow’s political objectives.
“Russia systematically militarizes children in the occupied territories, preparing a new generation for war and unquestioning loyalty to the regime,” the CPD stated in its report. “The involvement of Rosgvardia, ‘Yunarmia,’ and occupation structures testifies to a large-scale campaign to educate future soldiers.”
This initiative follows an established pattern of Russian occupation forces targeting Ukrainian children for indoctrination. In Mariupol, the city council reported that occupation authorities had already established the first specialized class of the “Yunarmia” military movement at local school No. 41, involving 17 fifth-grade students.
Military youth organizations like “Yunarmia” have become a cornerstone of Russia’s occupation strategy in Ukrainian territories since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. These programs combine elements of traditional youth activities with military training, weapons familiarization, and heavy doses of pro-Russian propaganda.
International human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned these practices as potential violations of children’s rights and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit occupying powers from indoctrinating children in occupied territories. The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, for the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Education and child development experts warn of the profound psychological impact such militarization can have on children. By glorifying warfare and presenting military service to Russia as the highest form of patriotism, these programs distort children’s moral development during crucial formative years.
“The goal of the occupiers is to turn children into a resource for continuing the war,” the CPD report concluded. “Militarization through ‘patriotic games’ destroys childhood, imposes aggressive values, and prepares a generation that will perceive war as a norm of life.”
Ukraine’s government has established special units to document these activities as potential war crimes, with particular focus on the targeting of children in occupied territories. International monitoring organizations continue to express concern about the scope and systematic nature of Russia’s efforts to militarize Ukrainian youth.
The original “Zarnitsa” game dates back to Soviet times when it was used as a form of military-patriotic education. Its revival as “Zarnitsa 2.0” in occupied Ukrainian territories represents a deliberate attempt to restore Soviet-era indoctrination practices while serving Russia’s current military objectives.
Ukrainian authorities continue to call for increased international pressure to halt these programs and provide greater protection for children in occupied territories who remain particularly vulnerable to such exploitation.
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16 Comments
The ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ program is a deeply disturbing example of Russia’s disregard for children’s rights and its willingness to use them as pawns in its geopolitical game. This is a clear violation of international law, and the world must hold Russia accountable for these abuses.
This is a disturbing escalation of Russia’s occupation tactics. Militarizing children is a gross violation of human rights and a blatant attempt to brainwash the next generation. The international community must take action to protect these vulnerable young Ukrainians.
This report underscores the urgent need to hold Russia accountable for its actions in occupied Ukraine. Militarizing children is a war crime, and the international community must take swift and decisive action to end these abuses.
The ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ program is a blatant attempt by Russia to indoctrinate and militarize Ukrainian children. This is a gross violation of children’s rights and a clear tactic to undermine Ukraine’s national identity. The international community must take immediate action to condemn and stop these abuses.
The report highlights Russia’s systematic attempts to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and national identity. Indoctrinating children through military games is a despicable tactic that we must condemn in the strongest terms.
This is a concerning development. Russia’s use of youth programs to promote its political agenda and military objectives is deeply troubling. We need to closely monitor these activities and ensure the protection of Ukrainian children in occupied regions.
Agreed. This is a clear violation of children’s rights and a tactic to instill Russian propaganda. The international community must intervene to stop these abuses.
This report highlights the urgent need to protect Ukrainian children from Russia’s malign influence. Militarizing youth through programs like ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ is a tactic to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and indoctrinate the next generation. We must stand firm in our support for Ukraine and its people.
Absolutely. The international community must condemn these actions and take concrete steps to safeguard the rights and well-being of Ukrainian children in occupied regions. Allowing Russia to continue this abuse is unacceptable.
The ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ program is a chilling example of Russia’s disregard for human rights and its willingness to exploit children for its own political and military objectives. This is a clear violation of international law, and the world must take action to stop these abuses.
The ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ program is a clear example of Russia’s disregard for international laws and norms. Exploiting children for political and military objectives is abhorrent and must be stopped. Ukraine deserves our unwavering support in defending its people.
Absolutely. This is a despicable tactic that cannot be tolerated. The world must stand united in condemning Russia’s actions and protecting the rights of Ukrainian children.
Disturbing news about Russia’s attempts to indoctrinate Ukrainian children. This ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ program is a blatant violation of children’s rights and a thinly veiled attempt to brainwash the next generation. We must do everything in our power to protect these vulnerable young Ukrainians.
This report underscores the urgent need to protect Ukrainian children from the harmful influence of Russian occupation authorities. Militarizing youth through programs like ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ is a tactic to indoctrinate the next generation and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. We must stand firm in our support for Ukraine and its people, especially its most vulnerable citizens.
Disturbing news about Russia’s attempts to indoctrinate Ukrainian children in occupied territories. This ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ program seems like a blatant effort to militarize and brainwash young minds. We must condemn these tactics and stand up for Ukraine’s children.
Deeply concerning news about Russia’s efforts to exploit Ukrainian children through the ‘Zarnitsa 2.0’ program. This is a clear violation of human rights and a thinly veiled attempt to brainwash the next generation. The world must stand united in condemning these actions and protecting Ukraine’s most vulnerable citizens.