Russian Troops Exploit Schools in Occupied Zaporizhzhia Region for Army Fundraising

In the occupied part of the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces have reportedly organized a fundraiser under the guise of “volunteering” to support their war efforts against Ukraine. The incident occurred in one of the schools taken over by the occupying authorities.

According to the Center for National Resistance (CNS), funds were collected from parents in what was described as a coercive manner. While this was happening, children in lower grades were instructed to create postcards addressed to Russian soldiers under teachers' supervision, and older students were made to write letters dictated by authorities.

The initiative was reportedly overseen by the so-called education department of the local occupation administration in coordination with a “volunteer company” affiliated with Russian forces.

CNS described the event as both an example of indoctrination targeting Ukrainian children and an attempt to simulate community support for occupying forces.

In its statement, the Center urged residents in occupied territories to avoid engaging with similar initiatives and to report collaborators to relevant authorities.

This development follows earlier reports by the CNS highlighting plans by Russian authorities to arm school security staff in occupied areas starting January 2025. This decision, aligned with Russian regulations, would require guards to be equipped with firearms and protective gear.

Earlier, Russian forces in temporary occupied Kherson region conducted raids on September 6, targeting families with school-age children. Armed soldiers visited homes, threatening parents with the loss of parental rights if they refused to send their children to Russian-controlled schools. They also checked electronic devices to ensure no Ukrainian educational apps were installed.