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Russian Occupation Update, September 24, 2026

ISW · Institute for the Study of War ·

Executive Summary

This report details Russia's ongoing efforts to consolidate control over occupied Ukrainian territories, including militarizing youth through drone training and using sham elections to legitimize its rule. It also highlights legal repressions against Ukrainian citizens and information space manipulation.

Why It Matters

Understanding Russia's strategies in occupied Ukraine, including militarization of youth and information control, is crucial for assessing the long-term impacts of the conflict and potential future resistance.

Key Takeaways

  • Russia is actively militarizing Ukrainian youth in occupied territories through institutionalized drone training programs and competitions, aiming to integrate them into its defense and security sectors.
    Source evidence · PDF page 2
    Russian occupation administrations continue efforts to institutionalize drone training programs amongst youth in occupied Ukraine.
  • Russian occupation authorities are imposing severe legal penalties, including decades-long prison sentences, on residents of occupied Ukraine for alleged financial support to the Ukrainian military.
    Source evidence · PDF page 3
    Russian legal and law enforcement organs continue to pursue decades-long sentences against residents of occupied Ukraine for alleged donations to the Ukrainian military.
  • The Kremlin is manipulating the information space in occupied Ukraine by training young, pro-Russian media personalities to legitimize its occupation and promote its narrative.
    Source evidence · PDF page 3
    Mediaprizyv is part of a wider Kremlin effort to train a cadre of young, pro-Russian journalists in occupied Ukraine.

Strategic Relevance

This document provides critical insights into Russia's long-term occupation strategies, including demographic manipulation, information warfare, and the militarization of civilian populations, which are central to understanding the conflict's geopolitical implications.

Source Website View PDF

Key Entities

RussiaUkraineKremlinRosgvardiaTASSInstitute for the Study of WarUnited RussiaFSBInternational Committee of the Red CrossDmitry PeskovDmytro LubinetsVladimir Saldo

Best For

Geopolitical analystsHuman rights organizationsPolicy makersMilitary strategistsJournalists

Related Themes

OccupationInformation WarfareMilitarization of YouthHuman RightsWar CrimesGeopolitical Control

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