Russian Authorities Involve Students in Military Training Under Guise of Patriotic Education in Mariupol

In the temporarily occupied city of Mariupol, Russian authorities are systematically involving students in military training under the guise of “patriotic education.”

This was reported by the Mariupol City Council via Telegram on April 9.

At the so-called “Mariupol State University,” students are being subjected to training exercises that include shooting practice and combat behavior drills. Disguised as patriotic education, the training involves teaching students how to handle weapons, participating in tactical exercises, military marches, and taking oaths of allegiance to Russia.

According to the report, this effort is part of a hidden mobilization campaign aimed at recruiting young people. In universities, students are being offered contracts to serve in the Russian army.

The militarization process begins even earlier in Mariupol, where military training is introduced in schools through the “Yunarmiya” movement. Around 6,000 Ukrainian children aged 6 to 18 have already been enrolled in this program.

There have already been instances where, upon reaching adulthood, these children, after undergoing such military training, have enlisted in the Russian Armed Forces and participated in combat operations against Ukraine.

Earlier in 2026, rectors of major Russian universities were given a directive to ensure that at least 2% of their student body signs a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Based on 2025 statistics, around 2.2 million men were enrolled in Russian higher education institutions. If the directive is fully implemented, an estimated 44,000 students could be enlisted into the military.

Reports indicate that applying similar quotas to vocational and technical colleges could increase the number of recruits to approximately 76,000.

This directive is part of a broader initiative by Russian authorities to recruit students into the military through the educational system. Investigations reveal that universities and vocational institutions are already being used as primary recruitment channels for the Kremlin's Unmanned Systems Forces, with at least 91 universities and 112 vocational schools participating in the recruitment effort.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

How Russia Is Training a “Drone Generation” of Youth for Future Wars

Mar 27, 2026 16:52

Russia's drive to recruit students into military service is part of a larger strategy to bolster its manpower.

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Russia is planning a significant increase in recruitment for the coming year. He noted that Moscow intends to enlist an additional 409,000 soldiers in 2026 while intensifying operations along the front lines.

"In 2026, Russia plans to recruit another 409,000 soldiers. This clearly indicates that the enemy has not abandoned its goals and continues to prepare for further aggression against Ukraine," Syrskyi said.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW