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Yale Study Reveals 210 Russian Sites 'Russifying' Ukrainian Children

9/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Yale University study identifies over 210 sites in Russia's re-education and military training program for Ukrainian children, doubling earlier estimates.
The program features military cadet schools and camps that promote Russian nationalism, with military training reported at 19% of these sites.
Investigators used social media data to track children, many of whom were orphans or relocated for safety, complicating recovery efforts.
The study reveals a systematic effort to "Russify" children, raising security concerns for Europe regarding potential military recruitment.
Funded by the U.S. State Department, the research follows the cancellation of a prior program focused on documenting war crimes.

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Story summary

A Yale University study identifies over 210 sites in Russia's re-education and military training program for Ukrainian children, doubling earlier estimates.
The program features military cadet schools and camps that promote Russian nationalism, with military training reported at 19% of these sites.
Investigators used social media data to track children, many of whom were orphans or relocated for safety, complicating recovery efforts.
The study reveals a systematic effort to "Russify" children, raising security concerns for Europe regarding potential military recruitment.
Funded by the U.S. State Department, the research follows the cancellation of a prior program focused on documenting war crimes.