Russia opens Naval School to 'Russify' children in occupied Mariupol

Vladimir Putin claimed that he had ordered the school to be opened in March 2023, and now the facility "can fully function." The branch will be named after Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, one of the creators of the navy, who distinguished himself in many significant battles for Russia.

According to the Mariupol City Council, the occupiers plan to start the academic year on September 1. The building is located in the coastal district. "They picked children from grades 5 to 7. This way, the occupiers are trying to transform Mariupol into a military base. The city remains an important logistical point for the Russians," reports the Pravda portal, citing information from officials.

The Kremlin's TASS agency claims that 240 people will be directed to study - mainly Russians. They selected those who "share dreams of defending the homeland."

Local Ukrainian authorities stated that the primary goal of the occupiers was to "Russify the children," to turn them against Ukraine, and then use them in future conflicts.

It is worth remembering that foreign media have repeatedly reported on many kidnappings of Ukrainian children who were then taken to Russia. The Kremlin has supposedly treated 20,000 minors this way without the consent of their families and guardians.

In Russia, the children's names and birthdates are changed. This way, Russia aims to deprive Ukraine of its future. The International Committee of the Red Cross is working to return young people to their country.

Ukrainian media remind us that recently, also in Mariupol, a branch of the Volgograd Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was opened. Over 400 future law enforcement officers are to be educated there.