In the village of Pomary in the Republic of Mari El, Russia, a kindergarten organised a military-themed event called “We Will Serve in the Army” to mark Defender of the Fatherland Day. The event featured preschool children dressed in military uniforms and the Russian tricolour, participating in activities that simulated army training. One of the most shocking tasks involved children and their parents taking part in a staged mine clearing exercise.
The event, which was attended by children from the senior group “Gnomes,” divided the young participants into two teams named “Rocket” and “Airplane.” The activities included running to an “island” and hitting a target with a mock artillery shell. Meanwhile, the parents took on the role of “sappers,” simulating the process of clearing mines. Russian media outlets covered the event, portraying it as a patriotic celebration.
This event is part of a broader pattern in Russia, where military-style education is increasingly being introduced to young children. Earlier, the National Resistance Centre of Ukraine reported that Russian authorities have been placing children from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories into military institutions within Russia, often without requiring entrance exams. The purpose of such initiatives is to indoctrinate children from an early age, stripping them of their Ukrainian identity and integrating them into Russia’s military and political system.
