Cadet Classes Established in Kherson Region
On the temporarily occupied territories of the Kherson region, Russia is rapidly building a closed system for training security personnel through cadet classes. Over the past year, the number of such classes, operating under the patronage of Russia's Investigative Committee, has grown to 20. The primary goal of this initiative is to funnel graduates into higher education institutions of Russian security agencies, thereby creating a new pool of recruits for law enforcement and military structures. For context, these efforts are part of a broader Kremlin strategy to integrate occupied areas into Russia's administrative and security frameworks.
The occupation administration in cities like Henichesk, Novotroitske, Skadovsk, and other areas is implementing a political directive from the Kremlin and the United Russia party. The process of training future security personnel is overseen by the occupation Ministry of Education in collaboration with Russia's Investigative Committee. Russian investigators personally develop methodological materials, cadet oath texts, and curricula such as 'Young Investigator' and 'Fundamentals of State Service.' Between 2025 and 2026, the network of cadet classes more than doubled, expanding to more schools in the captured territories.
Militarization of Youth and Its Consequences
Sergey Cherevko, deputy head of the occupation government, justifies the militarization of children by claiming it reduces crime rates in schools where cadet drills are implemented. He emphasizes that
"the real goal is to lure graduates into Russian security agency universities by promising priority admission rights"- Sergey Cherevko. Through these actions, Russia is building a closed military system, preparing future investigators, military personnel, Rosgvardia officers, and Ministry of Internal Affairs staff.
Additionally, the occupiers are using the captured international children's center 'Artek' in Crimea for propaganda and cadre training for their army. The camp runs educational courses on drone operation for schoolchildren. Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service has also reported widespread forced militarization of higher education institutions in Russia, where the Kremlin is turning universities into mobilization tools, recruiting students for war instead of education.
The creation of cadet classes in the temporarily occupied territories of the Kherson region reflects Russia's strategy to solidify control and build new security structures. This process is part of a broader policy of youth militarization, also implemented in other regions, including Crimea. Using educational institutions for military training jeopardizes children's futures, as their education is replaced by ideological and physical preparation for service in security agencies. Such actions highlight the growing militarization of society, which could have long-term consequences for the region and its residents.
As Russia continues to expand its influence in occupied territories, the recruitment of young individuals into military programs is becoming increasingly evident. Similar to the establishment of cadet classes in the Kherson region, reports indicate that Ukrainian teens are being drawn into military training exercises in Crimea. This trend raises concerns about the long-term implications of such initiatives on youth and regional stability.