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Russia No Longer Hides Military Training for Children, Ukrainian Intelligence Reports
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Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia is no longer disguising military training for children as social or educational programs, with minors now being taught to operate drones and participate in other military-related activities.
According to the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, Russian authorities plan to include drone operation as part of the national GTO program—a Soviet-era system formally described as physical education and fitness training for children, standing for “Ready for Labor and Defense.”
Moscow is also strengthening state oversight of military-sports training for minors, effectively treating such activities as part of the formal educational system.
On the regional level, the militarization of youth is becoming increasingly visible. Children are reportedly being allowed to ride on combat vehicles, handle firearms, and participate in holiday events featuring military equipment—such as New Year celebrations where traditional characters arrive on tanks.
Military symbols are increasingly becoming part of everyday childhood experiences.
Russian authorities have also announced plans to introduce a new system for evaluating children’s physical condition, in which certain metrics will directly relate to their “future readiness for military service.” Observers say this approach blurs the line between health and fitness education and military mobilization, linking physical development scores with potential army service.
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The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service warned that these measures reflect a deliberate effort to normalize militarization among Russian youth, raising concerns about the long-term militarization of society.
Previously, it was reported that despite record declines in oil revenues and a growing budget deficit, the Kremlin has doubled its 2025 funding for Yunarmiya, a Russian youth movement known for promoting military training and ideological indoctrination among teenagers.
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