DISINFO: Ukrainian children learn how to make war in the Baltic States
SUMMARY
The Lithuanian Rifle Union teaches guerrilla warfare to children of Ukrainian soldiers. In the Baltic states children are being prepared for war, as if to replace their fathers. It’s not normal. And the authorities of the Baltic countries and Ukraine continue to call Russia the aggressor.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative portraying Russia as being encircled by enemies. Established in 1919, the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union is a state-supported volunteer paramilitary public organization, with over 11,000 members. It seeks to develop self-confident, creative, motivated and disciplined citizens of the Republic of Lithuania ready to defend their homeland and help others in case of need. The organisation traditionally hosts education and cultural summer camps for young people from different countries. In August 2019, such a camp was held for Ukrainian and Lithuanian children. 10 children came from the Luhansk region, another 20 were children of the soldiers from the 30th Brigade of the Ukrainian army, according to the press release. The camp was not preparing children for war. Rather they engaged in educational activities, trips to major cities of Lithuania, visited adventure and amusement parks. See more cases about the alleged militarism of the Baltic States.