Russian Military Propaganda and Occupation Policies in Luhansk: New Aims and Challenges for Ukraine

In the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk region, Russian occupation administrations are intensifying efforts to utilize the youth and ideological propaganda to achieve their strategic objectives.
Recent verified data reveal that over a hundred teenagers aged between 14 and 18 from so-called military-patriotic clubs under Russian control have been sent on a ten-day military camp in Russia.
During their stay, they received various forms of training, including shooting, drill exercises, and familiarization with Soviet military traditions and ideology.
To create a realistic combat environment, the organizers used authentic military hardware — tanks, artillery systems, anti-tank obstacles, and other weapons — which simulated the realities of war.
Concurrently, occupation authorities announced a new project aimed at developing tourism infrastructure with an investment exceeding 122 million rubles, even in areas heavily damaged by hostilities or left depopulated.
These initiatives suggest Russia’s intention to continue exploiting Luhansk as a propaganda tool, despite ongoing devastation and dangers to peaceful residents.
Ukrainian cybersecurity and intelligence experts have also uncovered new evidence of Russian kidnapping of children from temporarily occupied territories.
According to reports, Russia has launched a platform that compiles a ‘catalog’ of Ukrainian children from occupied regions, allowing the selection based on hair and eye color.
Such data can be misused for human trafficking or other malicious purposes.
These developments highlight the comprehensive scope of Russia’s strategic plans to manipulate Ukrainian youth and undermine Ukraine’s future stability.