Moldova experts from the “Promo-LEX” Association informed on September 14, that this summer, dozens of students from the Transnistrian region took part in “patriotic education” programs and initiatives that promote Russian historical narratives. These activities were organized as in Russia, so the occupied Crimea, and included indoctrination and the associated security implications.
A report released by the “Promo-LEX” indicates that some of these programs occurred at centers that are under international sanctions.
In June, a group of students from the Transnistrian region took part in activities organized by occupiers at the Crimean “Artek” and their participation in such activities took place “in an extremely fragile security context,” which exposed the children to additional risks, experts stress.
Subsequently, between June 23 and July 13, another group of students participated in the “Circle of Friends” international program, organized at the “Orlionok” children’s center .
“Promo-LEX” also reports that, over the summer, students from the Transnistrian region took part in other Russian “patriotic” education initiatives, including the “Movement of the First” activities and the “Train of Memory” project.
“Promo-LEX” notes that the initiative adopts themes associated with the propaganda narrative used by Russia to “justify” the war against Ukraine.
During the “Formula of the Future” International Forum in Kazan, Galina Ratușniac, the so-called “deputy minister of education” from Tiraspol, discussed with Russian officials «expanding youth exchanges and participation in programs at the “Orlionok,” “Smena,” and “Artek” centres» in occupied Crimea.
Pavel Horea, a security expert, stressed that “such activities are not new to the Transnistrian region… This year, however, they are larger in scale, with a faithful replication of the Russian curriculum for patriotic and semi-paramilitary youth training”. He also emphasizes that the Tiraspol regime aims to prepare new generations for its security and armed structures over the long term.
“Promo-LEX” reminded that in the 2026–2027 academic year, the so-called “military education structures” on the left bank of the Nistru enrolled 127 students; 65 minors were admitted to the “Suvorov” military school, while another 62 joined the cadet school in Tighina (Bender) by the illicit model that Russians implemented in the Crimea earlier.
Experts from “Promo-LEX” have warned that these two militarized institutions prepare children for subsequent integration into the security and law enforcement structures of the occupying regime.
It should be noted that our Association has previously exchanged views with experts from “Promo-LEX” regarding countering Russian propaganda and the Russia’s war crimes at a number of international forums, including the OSCE.
