**Russia’s Plan to “Russify” Occupied Ukraine Exposed**
A report by the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) has shed light on Russia’s sinister plan to shape local identity and foster loyalty to Moscow’s regime in occupied parts of Ukraine. The Kremlin is using financial incentives to recruit teachers, cultural workers, and coaches to work in areas such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.
According to the report, Russia is offering up to two million rubles (around $22,000) to Russian teachers who agree to work for five years in occupied areas. The initiative is an extension of Russia’s “Zemskyi Uchitel” program, which was originally aimed at underserved regions within Russia.
**Recruiting Teachers to Promote Pro-Russian Agenda**
Over 100 teachers have relocated to Crimea through the program, with most arriving from Russian regions such as Krasnodar, Altai Krai, Tomsk, Novosibirsk, Saratov, Tyumen, Ivanovo, and the Republic of Udmurtia. These teachers are leading courses in Russian language, history, and “basics of life safety and defense of the Motherland” – classes focused on conscription and military training.
“This is a clear example of colonization,” said Kateryna Rashevska of Ukraine’s Regional Center for Human Rights. “These people are also involved in reprogramming Ukrainian children, attempting to raise them as Russian patriots and future members of the Russian armed forces.”
**Pressure on Ukrainian Teachers**
In parallel, Russia is exerting pressure on Ukrainian teachers in occupied areas to adopt the Russian curriculum. Those who refuse face serious consequences. For example, a school principal in Berdiansk was deported for refusing to open the school under Russian standards.
“This is not just about education,” said Mariia Sulialina, head of Ukrainian NGO Almenda. “It’s about shaping local identity and fostering loyalty to Moscow’s regime.”
**Human Rights Experts Weigh In**
Human rights experts say these efforts amount to colonization and are violations of international law, including Article 49 of the Geneva Convention and Article 8 of the Rome Statute.
“The International Criminal Court still doesn’t prioritize colonization,” said Rashevska. “These federally coordinated programs involving teachers, cultural workers, and coaches create a clear chain of command.”
**Conclusion**
Russia’s plan to “russify” occupied Ukraine is a sinister attempt to shape local identity and foster loyalty to Moscow’s regime. The use of financial incentives to recruit teachers, cultural workers, and coaches is a clear example of colonization.
As the world watches this unfolding drama, it’s essential to acknowledge the gravity of these actions and hold Russia accountable for its human rights abuses.
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