Child militarisation in Russia: Propaganda material on public television stirs controversy

"I'll soon grow up and become a military chemist! I'll create a bomb from the dough; the Russian army awaits! We're powerful, courageous, and high-spirited - most importantly. Our army will always be on the defense; our army is high-spirited" – jovially singing is young boys dressed in military uniforms.

The performance featured on one of the episodes of Russia's "Wheel of Fortune", also known as "Field of Miracles". This type of musical interjection is required in this program. As it's left to interpret, it can also be used to present propaganda material.

Anton Gerashchenko, the adviser to the Ukrainian foreign minister, posted a snippet of the program online. He captioned it "What Russia is doing to its children is a crime in itself."

"Preserve cans are turned into candles by school students across Russia for soldiers. Church candles are melted to paraffin wax, poured into cans with an added wick, and sent to the frontier. It's a widespread initiative. Such a candle is intended to lend warmth to 'our boys'. School children are also stitching camouflages. Everyone is lending a hand - even the little ones. It reflects the Soviet defense scheme against the Nazis," explained Siegień.