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“It’s both a game and training”: in Russia, children practice war under the command of soldiers on leave
“It’s both a game and training”: in Russia, children practice war under the command of soldiers on leave – (SPECIAL ENVOYE / FRANCE 2)
For foreign journalists, it is very rare to be able to interview Russian soldiers. The soldiers who speak in this extract from “Special Envoy” are not on the front, but are participating in an exercise: they are training children in combat techniques.
Their weapons are simple toys, but it is a very serious game. In the snowy Russian countryside, children train in combat tactics, under the guidance of adults in fatigues. The children belong to a patriotic club, the adults are authentic soldiers. They took part in the exercise while on leave, before returning to the Ukrainian front.
Besides teaching them to “love their homeland” (one of the keys to a “good education for children”, according to the head of this exercise), this training helps prepare future generations of Russian soldiers. At 14, Ivan is already sure “100%” that he will join the army.
“If we had waited a little longer, it would already be happening on our territory”
In this openly pro-Putin Russia, asking if everyone supports the “special military operation” provokes a general burst of laughter. Between refusal to “get involved in politics” and certainty of having “prevented something that could have happened on Russian territory”, no one here questions the Kremlin’s official version of this so-called defensive war… which however, takes place on Ukrainian soil. “It’s hard, recognizes one of the soldiers, however. It’s like we’re fighting against our own people.”
Excerpt from “Russia sick of its war”, a report to be seen in “Special Envoy” on February 15, 2024.
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