Russia opens naval school in occupied Mariupol to Russify youth
Russia is opening a branch of the Naval School in occupied Mariupol. Vladimir Putin himself decided on the "opening" of this facility. The local City Council has no doubts about its purpose: to Russify the children. It's worth noting that this is another form of "reorienting" the youth. Approximately 20,000 people have been taken to Russia itself.
Vladimir Putin claimed that he had ordered the school's opening back in March 2023, and now the facility "can fully function." The branch is to be named after Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, one of the creators of the Russian navy, who earned distinction in many important battles for Russia.
According to the Mariupol City Council, the occupiers plan to start the academic year on September 1. The building was constructed in the coastal district. "They selected children from grades 5 to 7. This way, the occupiers are trying to transform Mariupol into a military base. The city remains an important logistical point for the Russians," reports the "Pravda" portal, citing information from officials.
The Kremlin's TASS agency claims that 240 people—mainly Russians — will be directed to study. They selected those who "share dreams of defending the homeland."
Local Ukrainian authorities state that the primary goal of the occupiers is to "Russify the children," turning them against Ukraine and eventually using them in new wars.
It's worth remembering that foreign media have repeatedly reported on many kidnappings of Ukrainian children who were then taken to Russia. The Kremlin has supposedly treated 20,000 minors this way, of course, without the consent of their families and guardians.
In Russia, the children's names and birthdates are changed to deprive Ukraine of its future. The International Committee of the Red Cross is fighting for the return of these young people to their country.
Ukrainian media remind us that recently, also in Mariupol, a branch of the Volgograd Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was opened. Over 400 future law enforcement officers are to be educated there.
