The SSU has collected evidence against russian propagandist Sergey Gavrilchuk, head of ‘Yunarmiya regional staff’ in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

In this ‘position’, he massively involves local schoolchildren in the aggressor state’s military organization.

Every school on the peninsula is ordered to send its pupils to 'Yunarmiya' (‘young army’, the all-russian military patriotic social movement).

The instructors of this institution turn children ideologically against Ukraine.

They teach students combat tactics and train how to use firearms, carry out reconnaissance and sabotage.

The Crimean ‘Yunarmiya’ branch has also introduced field trips with the pupils to train them in mines and explosives.

At the end of the school year, high school students pass an ‘exam’. Basing on its results, Gavrilchuk personally recruits ‘graduates’ to the russian armed forces.

In this way, the propagandist fulfils the kremlin’s instructions to replenish the occupation groupings fighting against the Defence Forces with new personnel.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators have notified him of suspicion in absentia under two Articles of the CCU:

• 438.1 (violation of laws and customs of war);
• 436-2.3 (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

Efforts are underway to bring the suspect to justice for his crimes against Ukraine.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in the Autonomous Republic of the Crimea under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol.