Not far from the border with Ukraine, 83 Russian children between the ages of 8 and 17 are taking part in military training. They crawl, run, some even carry real weapons - others train with toys.
A total of 4.5 million children in Russia have visited one of the 40,000 summer camps in the country this year, ARD writes. According to Russian government data, 85,000 of these children are from the "new Russian territories" - the occupied regions of Ukraine. 180,000 of the children have parents who are at the front. As Russia aims to train "national resilience", "holiday games" are in vogue, in which children learn military skills.
"The Fatherland Needs Defenders"
Alexander Chopin served in a naval brigade and was wounded during the war against Ukraine. While awaiting surgery, he trains children in military skills. He says he likes to pass on his experience. "The training turns them into a family. One of my daughters is here - she really liked it, although it was difficult for her," says Chopin. "She likes to be part of a team and not leave anyone behind."
"Standard bearers, hold your flags higher!", an instructor shouts. And then a few push-ups follow. David Beshetadze, a cadet at the Tsar Alexander III Don Cossack Military School in the Rostov region, says that cross-country running has helped him test his limits and will. "Our homeland needs defenders!" he says firmly. Anton is also a student at the military school. "Why am I here? Because I want to combine my future with military service. I want to serve my country and remain faithful to my cause until the end."
Indoctrination from kindergarten
Dmitry Tishkov, head of a regional Cossack association, wears a T-shirt with the words "Patriot" written on it. "We have neglected several generations. Now we want to catch up with patriotic education and reach as many boys and girls as possible. I think they need it," he explains. Nearly 40% of Russians define themselves as a "special people" with spiritual values and patriotism, a new sociological survey shows.
The independent children's rights organization "No Norma" criticizes military training for children, as well as studying the function of weapons and assembling drones in schools. According to the organization, this is indoctrination and propaganda. "No Norma" also condemns the fact that from September, propaganda lessons "Conversations on Important Topics" will be introduced in Russian kindergartens. They are part of the school curriculum from the fall of 2022. Now the indoctrination of three-year-old children should begin first in Moscow, the Urals and in the far northeast of Russia, in Chukotka, ARD writes. Other regions should gradually follow, including the occupied Ukrainian territories. Russian President Vladimir Putin himself made this suggestion last year.
"Patriotic training is very important"
In the Don camp, however, the children literally cling to the instructors and hug them. Tactical medicine instructor Vladimir Yanenko says: "We treat them as our own children. Patriotic training is very important. They don't want to hang out somewhere on the streets. It's more fun for them."
Mother Natalia hugs her son Ivan, who is standing in front of her in camouflage clothing. "We accompany our children. Here, for example, we help in the kitchen. The children are busy all day. In the evenings, they are tired but happy. When we ask them if they want to quit, they say: "No way". And then they continue the next day with renewed energy."
What will eight-year-old Ivan remember? He doesn't hesitate: "How we threw hand grenades and fired blanks."
Author: Stephanie Markert (ARD)