Russian patriotic education expansion

The Russian government is expanding patriotic education programs to align the national education system with Kremlin ideological goals. In September 2026, these programs were extended to include kindergartens, a move Vladimir Putin described as a ‘new front’. Observers have characterized these efforts as an ‘indoctrination machine’.

In Novosibirsk, schools have begun utilizing a new patriotism textbook designed for spiritual and moral formation. The text encourages students to prepare to die for their country, framing such sacrifice as a blessing. The material includes highly critical views of Western nations, describing Europeans as ‘thieves, murderers, and liars’ and claiming Western children are ‘mentally disabled’ due to media influences.

While this specific textbook is not on the official national list of mandatory texts, it is being used within patriotism lessons that have been integrated into the curriculum since 2022. The content emphasizes the superiority of Russia over the West and focuses heavily on the war in Ukraine.

By October 2026, authorities have further expanded these initiatives to target children as young as three through a program titled ‘Kindness Games’. Using methodological guides like ‘Adventures in Crimea’, preschoolers engage in activities designed to normalize the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Through games such as ‘Sun and Cloud’, children are taught that Crimea was ‘abandoned and sad’ before joining Russia. Other activities, including ‘The Bridge of Friendship’ and ‘Train to Crimea’, use songs and symbolic play to reinforce nationalist views and the unity of the two territories.