Russian propaganda operations in occupied territories are increasingly targeting children through seemingly benevolent holiday events, according to a new security report.

The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), operating under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, has identified a concerning pattern where Russian propagandists are using New Year celebrations as cover for ideological indoctrination of Ukrainian children in occupied regions. These activities are strategically disguised as charitable initiatives while delivering anti-Western messages to vulnerable young audiences.

A recent example highlighted in the CCD report involved an event at the Donetsk puppet theater. While presented to the public as a “warm humanitarian initiative” for local children, investigators found the content was heavily laden with anti-Western rhetoric and Russian propaganda narratives. The programming appeared designed to shape children’s worldviews at a formative age.

Particularly troubling to Ukrainian officials is the involvement of foreign nationals in these propaganda efforts. The CCD report specifically mentioned Finnish journalist Kosti Heiskanen as a key participant in the Donetsk theater event. According to the center, Heiskanen has an established history of collaboration with Russian state media outlets.

During his presentation to the children, Heiskanen reportedly made inflammatory statements about “zombified EU governments” and what he characterized as “global lies of the West” – rhetoric that aligns with standard Kremlin propaganda messaging aimed at discrediting Western democracies and institutions.

“It is especially cynical that the objects of this propaganda are children from temporarily occupied territories,” the CCD stated in its report. “Under the guise of care, they are forced to adhere to political loyalty to the aggressor state, form a distorted picture of the world, and instill anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western attitudes from an early age.”

Security experts have long warned that Russia’s information warfare strategy in occupied Ukrainian territories extends beyond military control to include efforts to reshape cultural and political identities. The targeting of children represents a particularly concerning long-term strategy, as it attempts to influence future generations’ perceptions of Ukraine, Russia, and the West.

This approach mirrors tactics used in other occupied regions, where educational systems, cultural events, and media are weaponized to promote pro-Russian narratives. Similar campaigns have been documented in Crimea since its 2014 annexation, where curriculum changes, youth organizations, and cultural activities have been used to foster loyalty to Moscow.

The involvement of Western figures like Heiskanen in these operations adds a layer of legitimacy that Russian propagandists can leverage, presenting their narrative as supported by “independent” foreign voices rather than state-sponsored messaging.

Ukrainian authorities continue to monitor these information operations closely as part of broader efforts to counter Russian influence campaigns. The CCD regularly publishes reports identifying propaganda trends in an effort to raise awareness about these tactics among both Ukrainian and international audiences.

This latest revelation comes as Russian propagandists have also been documented making false claims about military control over strategic areas such as Kupyansk, according to previous CCD findings. The dual approach of military deception alongside cultural influence operations reflects Russia’s comprehensive strategy in its campaign against Ukraine.

International human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern about the treatment of children in conflict zones, particularly regarding their right to education free from political indoctrination.