Ukraine offers a new approach to preparing children for war
In Ukraine, there is a need to form a military consciousness among young people, because the consequences of the war with Russia may be felt for several more generations. Director of the Institute of National Stability and Security and Professor of the Department of Global and National Security, Rena Marutyan, says this.
She noted that in the conditions of aggression, it is necessary to actively educate the younger generation to be ready to defend the country: “I may be expressing an unpopular opinion, but I consider it important to form a military consciousness among young people, since this war will last a long time,” the expert emphasized.
Marutyan also noted that Russia is already actively instilling values in the education system and culture that form “universal soldiers” ready to kill anyone outside their “civilization”. She emphasized that in Russia, there are state-supported organizations, such as “Unarmia” and “Movement of the First”, which have invested significant resources.
“During the next ten years, they will be able to raise a generation of young people who will easily attack any opponent. This should become a serious challenge for both Ukraine and Europe. Therefore, we have to decide who to be: a nation of peace-lovers or defenders,” said Marutyan.
The expert added that the formation of military identity among young people is not imitation of the enemy, but is an important element of the national defense system. “We are forced to defend our country from aggression. It is necessary to prepare the next generations for resistance, forming in them the appropriate thinking to preserve the sovereignty of the state,” she concluded.
