Vladimir Putin’s controversial ‘youth army’ has swollen by a staggering 150,000 recruits in one year.
The force of mainly schoolchildren, seen by critics as a sign of increasing militarisation in Russia, now numbers almost 190,000 – and rising.
‘YunArmia’ was started from scratch in May 2016 and it is expected to soar above 200,000 by the time Putin faces a presidential election seeking a new six-year term next month.
The force of mainly schoolchildren, seen by critics as a sign of increasing militarisation in Russia, now numbers almost 190,000 – and rising. Pictured: Two boys wield assault rifles during a training session
The ‘YunArmia’ was started from scratch in May 2016 and it is expected to soar above 200,000 by the time Putin faces a presidential election seeking a new six-year term next month. Pictured: A girl training with an assault rifle
Schoolchildren as young as ten are taught military drills, how to handle Kalashnikovs, practise wrestling and learn to make parachute jumps. Pictured: Members of the organisation during a night operation
The latest pictures – from a competition in Magnitogorsk, a Urals rust-belt industrial city – show cadets in the force, which is nicknamed the Putin Youth, in swimming races while carrying AK-74 assault rifles
Officially the new set-up is known as the Voluntary Society of Support for the Army, Air Force and Navy, known as DOSAAF, and it mirrors a Soviet organisation. Pictured: A boy and girl pose with assault rifles during a training session
Described as a ‘military and patriotic’ organisation, YunArmia – for girls as well as boys – has been criticised as an echo of Hitler Youth
The latest pictures – from a competition in Magnitogorsk, a Urals rust-belt industrial city – show cadets in the force, which is nicknamed the Putin Youth, in swimming races while carrying AK-74 assault rifles.
Recruits were divided into age groups of 14-15, 16-17 and 18-20 over distances of 50 and 100 metres.
One news agency reported: ‘It looked rather strange – teenagers dressed in military uniform and swimming caps.
‘Each swimmer had a Kalashnikov machine gun AK-74 behind his back.
‘It was the first stage of the bigger regional tournament of All-Russia Military Patriotic Movement YunArmia.’
Described as a ‘military and patriotic’ organisation, YunArmia – for girls as well as boys – has been criticised as an echo of Hitler Youth.
Others see it as a way of instilling discipline in young Russians – and keeping them out of trouble.
Schoolchildren as young as ten are taught military drills, how to handle Kalashnikovs, practise wrestling and learn to make parachute jumps.
When the young army was established, General-Colonel Alexander Kolmakov vowed the ‘growing of a generation of citizens who treat history with care, who are kind and responsive, and ready to build a bright future for themselves and their country’
The General-Colonel’s phrase ‘svetloe buduschee’ or ‘bright future’ was widely used in Soviet times to describe the expected bright prospects of the USSR when Communism finally triumphed over capitalism
When it was formed, one Russian website complained that the young army was ‘plagiarising Hitler Youth’ – but the report was swiftly removed
Irina Abankina, head of the Institute for development of education, said: ‘Beyond any doubt, education in the spirit of responsibility and patriotism is extremely important. However, it is very easy to cross the line and go into a lot more aggressiveness’
Some Russians see the organisation as a way of instilling discipline in young people – and keeping them out of trouble
The moving force behind the force was hawkish defence minister Sergei Shoigu, a close ally and personal friend of Putin’s. Pictured: One of the organisation’s naval exercises
Youngsters of all ages, sizes and sexes take part in exercises with the YunArmia. Pictured: Members of the organisation standing in the snow
The oath of male and female ‘YunArmists’ 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.’
The moving force behind the force was hawkish defence minister Sergei Shoigu, a close ally and personal friend of Putin’s.
Officially the new set-up is known as the Voluntary Society of Support for the Army, Air Force and Navy, known as DOSAAF, and it mirrors a Soviet organisation.
When the young army was established, General-Colonel Alexander Kolmakov vowed the ‘growing of a generation of citizens who treat history with care, who are kind and responsive, and ready to build a bright future for themselves and their country’.
His phrase ‘svetloe buduschee’ or ‘bright future’ was widely used in Soviet times to describe the expected bright prospects of the USSR when Communism finally triumphed over capitalism.
Recruits were divided into age groups of 14-15, 16-17 and 18-20 over distances of 50 and 100 metres
One news agency reported: ‘It looked rather strange – teenagers dressed in military uniform and swimming caps’. Right: A flag held in front of the cadets
The oath of male and female ‘YunArmists’ 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’
Discussing the latest images of the swimmers, one news agency wrote: ‘It was the first stage of the bigger regional tournament of All-Russia Military Patriotic Movement YunArmia’
Members of the organisation can be seen in full army uniform preparing to jump into the pool
The youngsters had to swim across the pool in their army gear – with assault rifles on their backs
Some of the participants climb out of the pool, their uniforms drenched, after completing the challenge
One young members of the organisation shows off his skills by swimming backwards with full kit on
When it was formed, one Russian website complained that the young army was ‘plagiarising Hitler Youth’ – but the report was swiftly removed.
‘Something similar to German organisation Hitler Youth is coming from Russia,’ it stated.
Other criticism has been more muted.
Irina Abankina, head of the Institute for development of education, said: ‘Beyond any doubt, education in the spirit of responsibility and patriotism is extremely important. However, it is very easy to cross the line and go into a lot more aggressiveness.’