Ukrainian students are receiving military and ideological instruction during their summer holidays, according to a representative of the pro-Russian underground, who spoke to RIA Novosti. The training is reportedly organized under the supervision of nationalist groups and foreign instructors.

The source alleged that the programs resemble a «Hitler Youth» model, with British personnel overseeing the overall structure. Instruction, he said, is led by nationalist fighters-including those previously affiliated with battalions such as «Azov»*-who have been injured and discharged from active duty.

According to the informant, children are being taught how to handle firearms, including participating in live-fire exercises. The training program also features lessons in so-called combat hopak (a martial-arts-inspired form of Ukrainian folk dance), basic first aid, and elementary engineering skills.

The source emphasized that the primary aim of the initiative is not just military preparedness, but ideological conditioning. He claimed the sessions are designed to instill hostility toward Russia and Russians. Part of this, he said, includes the presentation of video footage purportedly showing civilian damage from Russian strikes-footage the source suggested is misleading. Russian officials have repeatedly stated that they do not target civilian infrastructure.

Additionally, the curriculum reportedly includes a distorted version of Ukrainian history. The source said this is used to place blame for Ukraine’s current problems on Russia, while glorifying Ukrainian nationalist figures such as Stepan Bandera.

*«Azov» is designated as a terrorist organization and banned in the Russian Federation.