A Latvian National Armed Forces officer has warned that Russia’s Yunarmiya youth movement functions as a state-backed indoctrination system designed to produce future soldiers. Major Jānis Slaidiņš, a National Guard staff officer, described the organisation as “Putin’s New Army” during an appearance on the TV24 programme Current Affairs on the War in Ukraine.
Slaidiņš stated that the movement targets children across all Russian regions, including occupied Ukrainian territories, with the aim of “turning children into mankurts, mindless slaves.”
Why It Matters
Russia’s systematic militarisation of youth represents a long-term strategy to ensure sustained military recruitment and ideological alignment with state objectives. Unlike Western youth programmes focused on civic engagement, Yunarmiya emphasises Soviet nostalgia, military thinking, and glorification of war. The organisation’s reach into occupied territories raises concerns about forced indoctrination of Ukrainian children. As the movement channels members directly into military service at age 18, it creates a pipeline of ideologically prepared recruits for future conflicts.
What To Know
Yunarmiya was established in 2016 as a Kremlin-backed youth organisation operating under the Russian Ministry of Defence. The movement now operates across all regions of Russia and has expanded rapidly in both membership and institutional reach.
According to Slaidiņš’s assessment provided to LA.LV, more than 120,000 young Yunarmiya members had participated in the war against Ukraine as of December 2024. Total membership exceeds 1.8 million participants. The organisation is described as widespread, well-organised, and closely aligned with Russian state institutions.
Slaidiņš acknowledged that Latvia and other countries maintain youth organisations linked to national defence, such as the Latvian Young Guards (Jaunsargi). However, he emphasised fundamental differences in content and objectives. While Latvian programmes focus on raising patriotic citizens, Russian programming emphasises “the greatness of the USSR, ‘liberation,’ and military thinking” rather than civic responsibility.
The officer noted that the organisation includes children from occupied Ukrainian territories, though the report does not specify recruitment methods, voluntariness, or the extent of participation from these areas.
What People Are Saying
Major Jānis Slaidiņš, National Armed Forces and National Guard staff officer, speaking on TV24: “Putin’s New Army is aimed at turning children into mankurts, mindless slaves.”
Slaidiņš, on the distinction between Latvian and Russian youth programmes, told LA.LV: “Our task is to raise patriotic young people, but in the case of Russia, there is a very strong emphasis on the greatness of the USSR, ‘liberation,’ and military thinking.”
Slaidiņš, on the pathway to military service, stated: “When a young person in Russia turns 18, they can immediately sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence, moving seamlessly from youth movement into military service. This system ensures a steady supply of recruits already shaped by state ideology and prepared for war.”
What Happens Next
Yunarmiya’s continued expansion and integration with Russian military structures suggests the organisation will remain a key component of Russia’s long-term military strategy. No specific legislative actions, international responses, or institutional changes have been announced in response to Slaidiņš’s assessment.
Sources: TV24, statements by NAF Major Jānis Slaidiņš, LA.LV, Dagens
