Russian children as young as eight undergo military-style training with war veterans

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Schoolchildren in southern Russia participated in military-style training exercises under soldier supervision. Activities included grenade-throwing simulations and crawling maneuvers along the River Don.

The program involved 83 children aged between 8 and 17. Military instructors directed the exercises, which blended outdoor adventure with tactical training.

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Supervisors reportedly included veterans who fought in the war in Ukraine. Their presence underscored the program’s connection to real-world combat experience.

Russia has expanded youth military programs in recent years. Such initiatives aim to prepare children for eventual national service.

Advocates say these programs build discipline and patriotism among young participants. Critics argue that exposing children to combat training normalizes violence at an early age.

Activities included running, crawling, and team coordination drills. The exercises resembled traditional training used in formal military education.

Youth participation in structured military programs is part of a broader state emphasis on readiness. The River Don camp reflected this trend in a recreational setting.

International observers have long debated the ethics of child military training. Some see it as cultural education, while others view it as inappropriate militarization.