Seven teenagers gather on a large square near the youth center in Penza, a city in central Russia. All but one wear red T-shirts emblazoned with the number one in white across their chests. They appear no older than 16, with the youngest, 14-year-old Daria*, attending as a volunteer.
The day’s activities remain uncertain. “Weaving camouflage nets, packaging humanitarian aid, writing letters to Russian soldiers, making trench candles, or watching a documentary about Russia’s ‘special military operation’ against Ukraine”—none of the volunteers, including Daria, know what to expect.
Based on their conversations, these teens are typically called upon to support initiatives that benefit the Russian military.
“Our goal today is to ‘listen to useful information about the world,’” explains Anton*, their “mentor.”
After a brief greeting, Anton takes attendance, jotting down names on a scrap of paper before pulling out his phone for a quick group selfie.
“Is that for a report?” one volunteer asks. Anton doesn’t reply.
A Vast Initiative
The Movement of the First is Russia’s latest state-sponsored youth organization, created after the military operation in Ukraine began in February 2022. Its mission: instill a worldview grounded in “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values,” a priority for the Kremlin as it works to suppress dissent and prepare society for a prolonged state of conflict.
When the organization launched in December 2022, President Vladimir Putin even proposed renaming it “Pioneers,” a nod to the Soviet-era youth movement.
At its heart, the Movement organizes state-endorsed volunteer activities for young Russians, including educational lectures, visits to animal shelters and hospitals, and amateur performances. Schools and universities across the country have become key recruitment grounds, with reports suggesting teachers are required to encourage children to join and pressure parents into enrolling them.
Yet the Movement is also active in drumming up support for Russia’s war on Ukraine. Children are encouraged to write letters to Russian soldiers at the front, and collect humanitarian aid for the Russian army. In autumn 2024, a veteran of Russia’s war against Ukraine named Artur Orlov became the Movement’s leader. Putin has even called the Movement of the First “a huge army.” According to its former leader, in 2023 the Movement cost the Russian state more than $190 million — or 1.4% of the state’s total education spending.
But, as I found out, only a few Russian kids actively join in. After observing the Movement of the First for more than a month, I came to the conclusion that its image, carefully crafted by Russian officials and the media, is far different from reality.
