Russian occupation authorities torture Ukrainian children with psychotropic drugs and ban the Ukrainian language — Gerasymchuk
In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, Russian occupiers systematically abuse children — depriving them of their right to the Ukrainian language and education, forcing them to obtain Russian documents, and using violence, isolation, and even forced administration of psychotropic drugs for any disobedience.
This was reported by Daria Gerasymchuk, advisor to the President of Ukraine on children’s rights and rehabilitation, in an interview with Interfax, according to Ukrinform.
Children punished for speaking Ukrainian
According to Gerasymchuk, the Russian occupation authorities are completely eradicating the Ukrainian language from the educational process in the temporarily occupied territories. Children are forbidden to speak Ukrainian, even at home, and both children and their parents are punished for violations.
“It is extremely difficult for children in such conditions. They cannot speak Ukrainian freely, study the Ukrainian language or literature. For this, they are punished — beaten, isolated, or even forcibly given psychotropic drugs. I personally know of such cases,” the commissioner said.
Forced Russification and Psychological Terror
The official emphasized that the occupation’s education system teaches children a distorted history, with twisted concepts of good and evil. Russian soldiers are brought to schools, presented as “heroes of the SVO,” and children are forced to thank them for their “protection.”
“In fact, this is quasi-education and quasi-reality. Children are forced to worship those who kill their neighbors. This is systematic spiritual and psychological violence,” Gerasymchuk emphasized.
In addition, Russia is issuing its passports to children en masse and imposing the citizenship of the aggressor country, effectively turning Ukrainian minors into hostages of the “Russian world” policy.
1.6 million children under occupation
According to Gerasymchuk, more than 1.6 million Ukrainian children remain in the occupied territories today. They are deprived of their right to education, freedom of religion, free communication, and even basic security.
“Life under occupation is not just a restriction of freedom, it is complete captivity. Children are forced to live in conditions of constant fear, pressure, and propaganda,” she said.
Ukraine continues to document all facts of Russia’s crimes against children and is preparing new materials for international courts.
