Childhood is a period of innocence, with many children feeling significant pressure to fit in with their peers. Imagine a world where this pressure is weaponised to fuel a nation’s never-ending war machine and genocidal tendencies.

This week marks the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine. Russia has increasingly sought to control their youth culture through paramilitary cadet corps, social media and popular culture.

Image: Shuttershock: Ilia Kopyl

Produced By: Timothy Nguyen

Featured In Story: Dr Ian Garner, Historian and Analyst of Russian Culture and War Propaganda and Current Assistant Professor at the Pilecki Institute in Poland

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 26 February 2025