The first 104 schoolchildren joined the revived Soviet military-patriotic movement ‘Yunarmiya’ – or Young Army – in the city of Yaroslavl, the first cadets on a scheme that will be rolled out across the country in September.
Web critics drew parallels to the Hitler Youth and feared a rise in militarization under Putin, but Russian defence officials insisted it is about raising a generation of children ready to build a bright future for themselves and their country.
The oath of male and female ‘yun-armists’ (young soldiers) reads: ‘I swear to aim for victories in studies and sports, to live a healthy lifestyle, to make myself prepared for the service and labour for the sake of the Motherland, to cherish the memory of the heroes who fought for freedom and independence of our Motherland, to be a patriot and a dignified citizen of Russia.’
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