Russia to Implement Drone Training in School Curriculum for Occupied Regions

Ivan Fedorov, the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, has recently revealed that Russia is planning to incorporate drone operations into the school curriculum for the occupied territories starting from September 1. This initiative aims to provide drones and soldiers to every school in order to teach children how to fly drones. Fedorov strongly condemned these alleged plans by the Kremlin, labeling them as a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian principles.

In a statement made on Telegram, Fedorov announced that from September 1, 2024, schools in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine will introduce a new subject focused on controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). While this may be officially referred to as "training," it is evident that the true intention is to prepare young individuals for combat.

The National Resistance Center (NRC) of Ukraine had previously reported the Kremlin's intentions to introduce drone training in schools located in the occupied territories. According to the NRC, these courses will cover the study of UAV technologies, design features, and assembly for military purposes. Additionally, they will promote technical specialties and employment opportunities at military factories among schoolchildren.

Fedorov expressed his concern over the Kremlin's promise to equip every school with training UAVs and Russian military personnel who will be involved in instructing children. He emphasized that training children to operate drones for military purposes, potentially involving them in conflicts against their own country, is a grave violation of international law and constitutes a war crime.