Dehumanization in Russia. Children targeting Zelensky

As Russian propaganda gains momentum, the use of children to further these efforts ignites massive stirrings. A recent incident where Russian mercenaries and the National Guard arranged a festival called "Peaceful Warrior of Russia" at a construction technical school in Tomsk, attracted considerable attention due to shocking events that unfolded.

The internet is replete with instances of Russian propaganda, flourishing to the extent of involving children. A year ago, reported by Telegram, standout students in Bratsk were sitting at the so-called "hero's desk," adorned with portraits of fallen soldiers. This, propaganda asserts, was intended as an accolade for these students.

It might appear that Russians are living in a different reality. The latest film strongly corroborates this assertion. In the video, Russian children participating in the "Peaceful Warrior of Russia" festival were shown shooting targets and brandishing photos of public figures— Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden, and Jens Stoltenberg.

Russian mercenaries and the National Guard hosted the "Peaceful Warrior of Russia" festival at a construction technical school in Tomsk. The event featured weapons exhibitions and masterclasses on assembling and disassembling automatic rifles.

In the shooting range, targets displayed the photos of Zelensky, Biden, and Stoltenberg. As stated by the organizers, the festival's objectives included instilling patriotic sentiments, love for the nation, and respect for the homeland in the younger generation.

Months ago, there was significant rhetoric about children being urged to recite patriotic poems. These incidents often involved references to countries such as the United States, which has staunchly backed the Ukrainian armed forces since the inception of the ongoing war. Without their support, Ukraine would not have been able to counter Russian aggression.

"America is brutal, it bombs and kills. Europe spews falsehoods. The yearning for freedom is unquenchable. The path to it is rocky and invariably difficult. Stand firm, soldier, you descend from our grandfathers who vanquished the fascists in 1945," a child recited.