In the occupied Donetsk region, the number of members of the Young Guard – Yunarmiya military movement has exceeded 4 thousand

Russians and their accomplices continue the systematic militarisation of children in the occupied Donetsk region: since January 1, 2024, 1091 children from among local residents have been recruited into the ranks of the Young Guard – Yunarmiya military movement, with 150 units operating here with a total of 4100 Yunarmiya members.

This was reported by the organisation’s chief of staff, Viktor Pudak, to pro-Russian media, ZMINA reports.

Photo from open sources

The occupation official added that 330 more people joined the movement this autumn. In particular, 29 young boys joined the ranks of Yunarmiya in Mariupol. 

Those who have sworn “loyalty to Russia” traditionally receive two badges – one of the all-Russian and one of the regional movement – as well as a Yunarmiya military book, which contains information about their length of service, incentives and additional training. 

As a reminder, the Yunarmiya military movement was created in the occupied Donetsk region on April 5, 2019. Since July 2023, it has been part of the all-Russian military-patriotic children’s and youth movement Yunarmiya. As of now, more than 150 units with more than four thousand Yunarmiya members have been created here.

Earlier, ZMINA reported that in occupied Donetsk, the Russian military movement Young Guard – Yunarmiya is holding a competition for young journalists among Yunarmiya members.