Center for Countering Disinformation: In occupied Crimea, ROC prepares children for armed struggle

This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), according to LB.ua.

Recently, the Russian Orthodox Church hosted a youth forum called “Istoki” at the Artek International Children's Center. This event was sanctioned by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council due to its propaganda activities.

The propagandistic forum brought together 160 students from theological academies and seminaries across Russia. During the event, a presentation was made about the “Brotherhood of Orthodox Scouts,” a scouting organization associated with the Russian Orthodox Church that began operating in the region in 2022.

According to the Center, “This organization is one of the tools in a widespread system of ideological indoctrination aimed at the militarization of children. This is evident from the fact that, in addition to learning scouting skills such as survival in nature, orienteering, and teamwork, participants are also instructed in the use of weapons. The brotherhood's uniforms are often designed to resemble military attire.”

The rhetoric of this Orthodox organization is overtly militant, as children are taught that "feats," "protecting the weak," and "serving the motherland" are intrinsically linked to armed struggle. Thus, under the pretense of promoting “education and spiritual values,” the Kremlin, through the Russian Orthodox Church, is preparing children to support the Kremlin regime.