The Russians are trying to lure children aged 12-13 from different countries to the Crimean camp Artek in order to use them as a shield. This is stated in a statement by the press service of the Ministry for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine.
The occupiers offer a ticket to the camp to the winners of international competitions, in which teams from Kazakhstan, Israel, Belgium, Morocco, Egypt, Tajikistan and Armenia take part.
It is reported that the occupiers resort to such actions for two reasons.
Firstly, to create an impression of the legitimacy of the occupation of Crimea. Secondly, to turn children from other countries into a human shield against a possible counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The governments of these and other states must protect their children and not allow Russia to cover up their crimes with children.