Mariupol schoolchildren forced to write ‘letters of gratitude’ to Russian soldiers

As reported by Ukrinform, this was announced by the Mariupol City Council on Telegram.

“Schools in occupied Mariupol are forcing children to write mandatory letters of gratitude to Russian soldiers. Students must thank the occupiers for the ‘liberation’ of their city,” the statement reads.

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The latest batch of such letters was written in time for February 23, when the occupiers celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day. However, the Mariupol City Council emphasized that the same “defenders” had destroyed the city and killed the friends and relatives of Mariupol’s schoolchildren — a truth the invaders conveniently ignore.

Officials note that such propaganda campaigns are aimed at ideologically manipulating children, as school students have become a primary target for the occupiers’ influence efforts.

“Pseudo-patriotic organizations, ‘patriotism lessons’, military training in schools, glorification of Russian militants and invaders – these are just some of the ways Russian forces are trying to erase Ukrainian identity, militarize young minds, and instill hatred toward everything Ukrainian,” the Mariupol City Council states.

Earlier, it was reported that in Russian-occupied Mariupol, the invaders are also constructing a monument featuring the Russian coat of arms, further cementing their control over the city.