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Occupation Forces Open Propaganda Social Media Training Hubs for Youth in Mariupol

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Tetiana_frolova
Tetiana Frolova
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Occupation Forces Open Propaganda Social Media Training Hubs for Youth in Mariupol
Mother with baby looking at the burnt building of Mariupol city hall. (Source: Getty Images)

Russian occupation authorities have established social media training centers in Mariupol, aiming to recruit local youth to produce pro-occupation content, reported by CNN on May 15.

The initiative reflects Russia’s evolving use of information warfare, which increasingly leverages youth and social platforms to shape perceptions in contested regions”, according to CNN.

Participants receive equipment—including smartphones, cameras and editing software— and are tasked with publishing content to occupation-run social channels to depict everyday stability.

A fragment of an advertising banner for the Russian copy of Mcdonald’s, featuring the text “Mariupol – city of strong people” with visible Soviet symbolism. in a video by one of the students of the “School of Bloggers.” (Source: @kosmonavt_donbass via TikTok)
A fragment of an advertising banner for the Russian copy of Mcdonald’s, featuring the text “Mariupol – city of strong people” with visible Soviet symbolism. in a video by one of the students of the “School of Bloggers.” (Source: @kosmonavt_donbass via TikTok)

Local outlets documented that these centers, set up in former schools across Donetsk region, provide lessons in digital storytelling and narrative shaping. Detector.media further highlighted that the program offers modules on video production and audience engagement, tailored to advance Kremlin messaging.

Instructors linked to state-backed media outlets deliver curricula on “media ethics” and “online journalism,” which critics argue are designed to promote life under occupation as orderly and prosperous.

Earlier, it was reported that thousands of Russian entities were accused of looting Mariupol’s occupied economy, highlighting systemic exploitation of local infrastructure.

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