Russia introduces separatist rituals and weapons training for children in Moldova's Transnistria
Schools in Russia-backed Transnistria now open each week with separatist flag ceremonies, and rights activists say children as young as 11 are being trained to handle weapons and drones.
In Moldova's breakaway Transnistria region, backed by Russia, schools have introduced a new weekly routine: classes now begin with a ceremony honoring the separatist authorities' flag.
According to rights activists, the practice goes beyond symbolic gestures. Children as young as 11 are reportedly being trained to handle weapons and operate drones as part of this broader push.
Background
Transnistria is a narrow strip of territory in eastern Moldova that has functioned outside the control of Moldova's central government since the early 1990s, with Russian troops stationed there. The region has long been viewed as one of Russia's instruments of influence in the post-Soviet space.
Reports of militarized upbringing in schools and the introduction of separatist symbolism into the education system point to ongoing efforts to build loyalty among the younger generation toward the separatist administration and Russia rather than the Moldovan state.
Rights activists have raised concern over the practice, noting that it involves young children and exposes them to weapons and military-style training within the education system rather than through voluntary extracurricular activity.
