Russians militarize children: Artek in Crimea turned into a training center for drone operators

The Russian authorities in Crimea have transformed the sanctioned Artek children’s camp into a military training ground. They have launched so-called “educational courses” there, during which they plan to teach teenagers how to operate drones. That is, Russia is using a children’s center in Crimea to prepare young people for war, teaching them how to work with dual-purpose technologies.

Experts warn of the long-term consequences of such a policy. This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation.

According to available data, the instructors intend to work with minors not only on simulators, but also with real UAVs. In addition, the program provides for familiarization with technologies related to artificial intelligence, as well as certain areas of chemical development.

The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasizes that such actions are part of Russia’s systemic policy aimed at militarizing Ukrainian children in the temporarily occupied territories. Its goal is to form a hostile attitude towards Ukraine and prepare a potential mobilization resource for further waging war.

In 2023, the United States of America imposed sanctions against persons involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories to Russia. This was reported by the then head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak. The restrictions also affected those who organized the forced removal of children to the so-called “summer camps”, where they were subjected to ideological influence and pro-Russian re-education. At that time, the Artek center, as well as a number of Russian officials and organizations associated with these processes, were included in the sanctions list.

Despite this, in 2025, the state-owned enterprise Ukrposhta issued a thematic stamp sheet “Artek. 100 years”, dedicated to the anniversary of the children’s center, founded in 1925 on the Black Sea coast in Gurzuf. Historically, Artek was created as a sanatorium camp for children with respiratory diseases, and later became one of the most famous children’s centers in the world. However, recent years have significantly changed its role and perception due to events related to the occupation of Crimea.