Instead of lessons – a shooting range: young people in occupied Mariupol are being prepared for war
This has been reported by Mariupol City Council.
Military training at universities
According to the centre, students at the so-called “Mariupol State University” are undergoing training in marksmanship and conduct in combat conditions. Under the guise of “patriotic education”, young people are being taught how to handle weapons, and are taking part in tactical exercises, military marches and ceremonies pledging allegiance to Russia.
Covert mobilisation
The occupiers have effectively launched a covert mobilisation of students. In universities, young people are being offered contracts to serve in the Russian army.
As early as the beginning of 2026, the rectors of major Russian universities were given a target: at least 2% of students must sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence.
Militarisation from school
In occupied Mariupol, military training begins as early as school – through ‘Yunarmiya’ centres. Around 6,000 Ukrainian children aged between 6 and 18 have been recruited into this movement.
There have already been cases where, upon reaching the age of majority, children who had undergone such training joined the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces and took part in hostilities against Ukraine.
