Russian Schoolchildren Hear Only One Truth: Putin's

The Kremlin imposes Putin's version of history on Russian schools and mercenaries are coming into class to tell of their "heroic deeds" at the front.

Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian government has done everything it can to teach children the 'correct' story about the war. A story in which Ukraine as a nation has no right to exist, Russian soldiers act as 'liberators' of the oppressed and Russian history is full of heroic deeds.

The education policy serves a clear purpose. After all: "wars are not won by generals, but by teachers and priests," Putin quoted the words of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in his 2023 end-of-year speech.

Since September 2022, Russian schoolchildren have started the week by singing the national anthem and raising the flag. That year, the subject of “Conversation about the Important” was also made mandatory, which aims to spread “Russian values.” In addition, the “Principles of Defense of the Fatherland” curriculum was introduced. 

In some Russian regions, young people are taught how to use Kalashnikovs and hand grenades, how to dig trenches and what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. In view of the falling birth rate, schools must also place great emphasis on the family. At the end of 2023, “traditional” family values ​​were legally enshrined in the school system.

Schools that refuse to follow the instructions risk government inspections, fines and even closure. The risk of being denounced by parents, colleagues or students leads to a culture of fear at schools and universities, according to teachers.

In recent years, patriotic youth organizations have also been springing up like mushrooms in Russia. In 2015, with funding from the Ministry of Defense, the 'Young Army' (Joenarmia) was founded, considered by many to be a modern version of the communist youth organization Komsomol. By becoming a member, the young cadets with their red berets hope to increase their career opportunities. The organization is estimated to have almost a hundred thousand members in Russia and neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan, Belarus and Azerbaijan. In 2022, the organization was put on the European sanctions list.