Russia brings children from Moldova’s Transnistria to occupied Crimea for “patriotic education”
Schools in the Russia-backed enclave now begin each week with separatist flag ceremonies. Rights activists say children as young as 11 train with weapons and drones.
In late June and early July 2026, dozens of children from Moldova's Transnistria region were sent to Russia and Crimea for "patriotic education" programs, according to the Association for the Reintegration of Crimea (ARC). These programs, part of Russia's broader effort to militarize children in occupied Ukraine, expose the young students to indoctrination and security risks.
Promo-LEX, a Moldovan rights group, documented 127 children enrolling in two military schools in Transnistria for the 2026-2027 academic year. Of these, 65 went to Tiraspol Suvorov Military School and 62 to a cadet school in Bender. The children, who come from vulnerable backgrounds and boarding schools, are subjected to rigorous military training, including weapon handling, drone operation, and discipline.
Some of these children attended events at Russian-run children's camps, such as Artek and Orlyonok, which have been sanctioned by the EU, UK, and US for deporting and re-educating Ukrainian children. The training programs, which began as early as age 11, are part of Russia's strategy to integrate children from Transnistria and occupied Ukraine into the military and security forces of Russia's separatist administration.
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