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Russia Brought Children to Soldiers on Front Lines as Props for Christmas Propaganda
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Children from Russian-occupied areas of Luhansk region were transported to the combat zone to participate in Christmas-themed religious events organized by Russian military units, according to Ukraine’s Center of National Resistance (CNS).
The CNS reported that the gatherings were held near the line of contact and involved soldiers from Russia’s 3rd Combined Arms Army. Minors were brought in organized groups from nearby occupied settlements to stand alongside Russian servicemen during religious services and video recordings.
According to the report, the events were designed to produce a visual narrative involving children, soldiers, and religious symbols. “The main objective is to create a propaganda-friendly image of children alongside military personnel and church attributes, despite the real risk of artillery and drone attacks in the area,” CNS stated.
The CNS further noted that these locations were within range of Ukrainian precision weapons, and that organizers were aware of the risks. Children were allegedly positioned as part of stage-managed scenes, with some made to stand next to armed troops or participate in prayer services.
Many of the minors were transported by bus through school and so-called patriotic youth organizations, often without parental consent.
Religious figures affiliated with the occupying administration accompanied the children and publicly justified their presence near the frontline. “They explained it as a form of ‘spiritual unity’ and ‘support for the army,’” CNS added.
The organization also reported that refusal to participate in such activities could lead to repercussions for families, including administrative pressure or consequences at school. This, CNS said, indicates a pattern rather than an isolated incident.
According to CNS, “Children were used as living props,” with clergy not only blessing soldiers but actively legitimizing the involvement of minors in military-adjacent events. The report adds that this reflects an ongoing campaign of militarizing childhood in Russian-occupied territories, with religious symbols being used to reinforce pro-military messaging.
Earlier, in October 2025, Russia staged mass patriotic events involving schoolchildren to mark the anniversary of its attempted annexation of four Ukrainian regions. Over 1.6 million people took part in more than 13,000 events, with students forming the number “89” to symbolize Russia’s updated list of federal subjects—part of what critics called orchestrated propaganda using minors.
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