Forced Russification of Children in Zaporizhzhia and the Elimination of Language

Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine – In the Russian-occupied territories of the Zaporizhzhia region, the Bulgarian community faces unprecedented pressure aimed at erasing their cultural and linguistic identity. The campaign of forced Russification, which began more than a year ago, is unfolding with full force, affecting the most vulnerable – children. Moscow's systematic policy includes the destruction of the education system, the removal of the Bulgarian language from schools, and the introduction of aggressive "military-patriotic" programs.

A recent video, circulated by the "Citadel" group on social media, reveals the troubling reality. The footage shows children in a kindergarten dressed in military hats and forced to sing Russian songs. This scene, although presented as a harmless "festive ritual," is actually part of a deeply disturbing trend. According to several human rights activists, this activity has been documented as part of a systematic policy of forced Russification of education in the occupied regions.

Systematic Imposition of Russian Norms

Since the beginning of the last school year, Moscow has introduced a departmental regime that effectively removes the Bulgarian language from the curricula in schools in the occupied areas. Education is conducted only in Russian, with new textbooks and mandatory modules on "military-patriotic education" being introduced. This policy, following a directive from the Russian Ministry of Education, has been widely documented and condemned by independent analysts from Human Rights Watch.

Documentation from human rights organizations describes a methodical pressure on parents and teachers. They are subjected to harassment and threats to ensure that children are educated under the new program. Penalties are imposed for the use of non-Russian languages and symbols, including Bulgarian and Ukrainian. These actions represent a direct violation of fundamental human rights and are aimed at assimilating the local population.

Threat to the Bulgarian Community

Forced assimilation is particularly detrimental to the Zaporizhzhia region, home to a significant Bulgarian community. With between 30,000 and 50,000 people, which accounts for about 1.4% of the region's population, Bulgarians have historically been concentrated in areas such as Berdyansk, Melitopol, Prymorsk, and Pryazovske. In some settlements, the ethnic composition is predominantly Bulgarian. For example, in the village of Botievo, Bulgarians make up about 77.71% of the population, and in Banovka, they were historically around 98%. Historical data indicate that over 30 villages in the region have an exclusively Bulgarian ethnic composition, including Sofiivka, Azovskoe, Andrivka, Vyacheslavka, and Troyany.

The historical contribution and presence of Bulgarian culture in the region are undeniable. According to past data, the native Bulgarian language was spoken by over 10% of the population in Berdyansk and over 7% in the Pryazovsky district. Now, with the removal of the language from the educational system, the future of entire generations is being called into question. These children are being deprived of their right to learn in their native language, which is at the core of their identity.

Given the seriousness of the situation, the Bulgarian state is called upon to guarantee the rights and protection of Bulgarian children through all possible international channels and mechanisms. This includes diplomacy, funding online education, maintaining cultural ties, and applying international pressure on Russia. The strength and unity of the Bulgarian nation must give a voice to those whose children are being deprived of their native language. Every individual, organization, or institution bears the moral responsibility to fight for their future.

Author: Nelya Temelkova