Russia uses failed exams to funnel students into the army in occupied territories, militarizing Ukrainian youth

Russia is coercing students in occupied parts of Luhansk Oblast to join its military, using academic pressure as leverage, according to Taya Avram of the Donbas SOS. Speaking to the Kyiv Independent, Avram said students who fail exams may be forced to enlist in exchange for retaining their school place. Local official Oleksii Kharchenko confirmed the practice, saying some students are told they must agree to serve—often as drone operators—or face expulsion and eventual conscription into frontline infantry units.

Human rights advocates say the policy reflects a broader effort by Russia to militarize Ukrainian youth in occupied territories. Avram described how education systems—from kindergartens to universities—are being used to promote military training and ideology, with children exposed to pro-war messaging and even tasked with assembling drones in school. She added that exam failures may be deliberately manipulated to funnel young people into military service, a practice that violates international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.

The reported coercion comes as Russia expands its military ranks and shifts toward year-round conscription. While official policy bars conscripts from being deployed abroad, there are ongoing reports that many are pressured into signing contracts and later sent to fight in Ukraine. Analysts say these tactics allow the Kremlin to sustain its war effort while avoiding the political fallout of another large-scale mobilization.

Russian drones hit oil and gas facilities in Poltava and Sumy oblasts overnight

Russian forces carried out a drone attack overnight on March 19–20 targeting facilities of the Naftogaz Group, Ukraine’s largest state-owned oil and gas company, in Poltava Oblast and Sumy Oblast. According to CEO Serhii Koretskyi, multiple sites were hit simultaneously, causing damage and sparking a fire at one location, which was quickly extinguished. No casualties were reported, as employees were in shelters during the attack, and a full damage assessment is ongoing.

Koretskyi said Russian forces have targeted Naftogaz infrastructure more than 30 times since the beginning of the year, highlighting a sustained campaign against Ukraine’s energy sector. The strikes are part of a broader effort to disrupt critical infrastructure, which has already left some consumers without electricity in regions including Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Donetsk Oblast, Mykolaiv Oblast, and Kharkiv Oblast.

Belarusian leader announces "big deal" with the USA

Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus is preparing for a potential “big deal” with the United States following recent talks with John Coale, a special envoy representing Donald Trump. Speaking to state media BelTA, as cited by European Pravda, Lukashenko said the proposal came from the U.S. side and would address a range of issues discussed during ongoing contacts between the two countries.

According to Lukashenko, Belarus has already outlined its interests and submitted proposals to Washington, which are now under review. He suggested the agreement would go beyond commonly discussed topics such as political prisoners and could include broader political and diplomatic matters. Lukashenko also indicated that while the U.S. may not yet be fully ready to finalize the deal, both sides are continuing preparations.

He added that key items under discussion include restoring embassy operations and addressing issues related to nuclear materials. The comments signal a potential shift in relations between Belarus and the United States, though details of any agreement remain unclear.

Venice Biennale allows Russia's participation and says no sanctions breached

Organizers of the Venice Biennale said they did not violate any sanctions by allowing Russia to return to this year’s exhibition, confirming they have authorized the reopening of the Russian pavilion. According to Artnews, the organizers stated that all relevant documentation had been provided to Italy’s Culture Ministry and emphasized their opposition to censorship, arguing that the Biennale should remain a space for dialogue and artistic freedom despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The decision has sparked debate in Italy. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini voiced support for Russia’s participation, criticizing cultural isolation, while Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called for the resignation of a government representative on the Biennale board over the issue. Meanwhile, Latvia and 21 other countries formally urged organizers to reconsider allowing Russia to take part.

Russia is set to participate in the 61st edition of the exhibition with a pavilion titled The Tree Is Rooted in the Sky, curated by Anastasia Karneyeva. The country previously skipped the Biennale in 2022 and 2024, and its return comes amid ongoing scrutiny over cultural ties and political influence linked to the Kremlin.