Russia plans to return Soviet-style military education to schools with rifle classes for children as the number of troops lost in the Ukraine war mounts
- Russia is bringing back military education in Soviet-era schools after troop losses
- Children learn to fire Kalashnikovs and respond to chemical attacks
- Officials thought of reviving the communist program after defeats in Ukraine
Faced with Ukraine’s massive troop losses, Russia is bringing Soviet-era military education back to schools.
Children are taught how to handle and fire Kalashnikovs – as well as first aid and how to behave in chemical and nuclear attacks.
Officials are believed to be reviving a communist program in response to repeated defeats in Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin recruited conscripts for his illegal invasion, but the poorly trained troops failed to turn the tide for Moscow.
Vladimir Putin recruited conscripts for his illegal invasion, but the poorly trained troops failed to turn the tide for Moscow
Russia plans to launch the training program in September next year, the Defense Ministry announced, adding that Moscow said no less than 140 hours per academic year should be devoted to it.
The Department of Defense said the plan is likely designed to “prepare students with military skills as they approach draft age and increase take-up of mobilization and conscription operations.”
Russia tried to revive training after the 2014 invasion of Crimea, but it had little impact on the quality of conscripts.
The move comes as Putin proposed withdrawing the passports of non-native Russian citizens who criticize the Ukraine war.
The change is reportedly aimed at Ukrainians who acquired Russian passports during the Moscow occupation.
The acts considered crimes are “discrediting the Russian army”, “spreading false reports” and “participating in the activities of an undesirable organization”.