Story perspectives

Russian Soldiers Force Ukrainian Teen into Nationalist School

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In late October, six Russian soldiers entered an apartment in occupied southern Ukraine, arrested a girl's stepfather, and confiscated her devices.
They pressured Ksenia, 15, to attend a Russian-language school that promotes Russian nationalism and militarism.
Kateryna Rashevska, an international law expert, said pervasive Russification leads children to accept these narratives.
Interviews with families who escaped to unoccupied Ukraine were conducted under anonymity for safety.

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Story summary

In late October, six Russian soldiers entered an apartment in occupied southern Ukraine, arrested a girl's stepfather, and confiscated her devices.
They pressured Ksenia, 15, to attend a Russian-language school that promotes Russian nationalism and militarism.
Kateryna Rashevska, an international law expert, said pervasive Russification leads children to accept these narratives.
Interviews with families who escaped to unoccupied Ukraine were conducted under anonymity for safety.