In temporarily occupied Crimea, the Russian authorities are increasingly involving children and young people in drone training and other forms of military preparation. According to Ukrainian intelligence, schoolchildren are being trained on simulators and real drones, while educational institutions are also holding classes in shooting, disassembling assault rifles, and drill training.
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.
In late October 2026, around 50 schoolchildren aged 7 to 18 in Sevastopol advanced to the regional stage of competitions organized by the Russian “Movement of the First” and the so-called drone racing federation.
In addition, students in the city are continuing training in drone operation. The training uses both simulators and real drones, as well as equipment employed by Russian occupation forces.
The HUR emphasizes that such activities are part of a systemic policy of militarizing young people in the occupied territories.
In addition to drone training, Crimean schools are holding classes in shooting, disassembling Kalashnikov rifles, and drill practice. Children are also being drawn into so-called “military-patriotic” quests involving Russian servicemen who took part in the war against Ukraine.
At the same time, the occupation authorities are promoting contract service in unmanned systems units, expanding recruitment into Russian security structures, and placing participants in the war against Ukraine into positions in the occupation administrations.
Schools are also installing memorial plaques in honor of fallen Russian servicemen.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia is trying to make war and military training a routine part of life for children in the occupied territories and to shape a generation oriented toward the Russian military and propaganda model.
