UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, July 1 — The Russian Federation uses children from the occupied Kharkiv region to spread propaganda, reported the Center for Countering Disinformation. 

As of July 2024, the situation in Kharkiv Oblast remains dynamic, with varying reports on the exact percentage of territory under Russian control. The most recent offensive by Russian forces, which began in May 2024, resulted in significant territorial gains. In total, Russia controls approximately 25-30% of Kharkiv Oblast​.

“Russians are spreading photos from a trip to Crimea organized for children from the occupied Kharkiv region. The propagandists say that the children visited several Soviet monuments on the occupied peninsula and raised the so-called “Russian flag of Kharkiv region” on the top of Mount Ai-Petri,”  the CCD’s statement reads.

The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized that Russians use such campaigns to ideologically impact the population. By involving children from temporarily occupied territories in propaganda, Russia violates their rights and international law.

Ukrainian authorities and law enforcement agencies also spoke about cases of Russians taking civilians prisoner in the northern part of Vovchansk and not allowing them to evacuate from the city. 

Police and the Prosecutor’s Office reported the first documented cases of Russian troops executing civilians in Vovchansk within a week after Russia launched a new ground offensive north of Kharkiv. 

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