Schools in occupied Ukraine are reportedly indoctrinating children with Russian nationalist ideology. Russian soldiers are forcing students back into these schools. This is according to a New York Times report based on interviews with students and experts.
The incident involving Ksenia, a 15-year-old, occurred in late October. Soldiers raided her home, arrested her stepfather, and compelled her to attend a Russian-language school. The curriculum includes the Russian national anthem, pro-Russian documentaries, and patriotic classes.
Education experts and rights groups are raising alarms. They say Moscow's education system in occupied territories aims to erase Ukrainian identity. The program has been in place for nearly four years.
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and has supported separatists in eastern Ukraine. International law considers these territories as occupied. The imposition of a foreign curriculum violates international norms regarding the protection of children in conflict zones.
The international community is likely to condemn these actions. Further investigations by human rights organizations are expected. The long-term impact on Ukrainian children remains a concern.
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