Russia Recruits and Indoctrinates Children for Military Drone Programs in Occupied Ukraine

Multiple investigations reveal that Russia is systematically recruiting children and teenagers, both from Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories, to participate in military drone development and operations.

These efforts include using video games to identify talent, offering educational incentives, and running propaganda programs in schools and summer camps. Ukrainian children in occupied regions are being subjected to pro-Russian indoctrination, including parades, uniforms, and patriotic lectures, while some are directly involved in assembling drones used in the war against Ukraine. Rights groups warn that Russia is also replacing local populations in these territories with Russian citizens and foreign migrants.

The international community has condemned these actions, citing concerns over child exploitation and violations of international law.