Russian Occupation Turns Schools in Ukraine into Tools for Militarization and Ideological Indoctrination
In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, Russian forces are actively transforming the local educational system into a tool for achieving military and ideological objectives.
According to reports from the Center for Strategic Communications, there are ongoing initiatives to militarize schools and raise children in the spirit of Russian military propaganda and patriotic education, labeled as “military-patriotic upbringing.” Russian educational authorities have approved a list of 17 mandatory subjects, completely removing Ukrainian historical context — instead, children are being taught “History of Russia,” “Universal History,” and “Regional History,” with Ukrainian history and culture being intentionally suppressed.
Furthermore, while subjects like “native language,” “native literature,” or “second foreign language” are officially permitted, in practice, access to these subjects is restricted — only children with parental permission can enroll, which poses significant risks for families on occupied territories.
Starting from autumn, Ukrainians across all regions are expected to be forced to install the so-called “Kremlin messenger,” which Ukrainian resistance centers warn will be used as an additional tool for espionage and control.
Experts also highlight that Russian occupiers organize so-called “historical tours” for children, during which Soviet propaganda and ideology are promoted.
These trips lack any educational value and are aimed solely at instilling Soviet myths, fostering love for Stalin, and pushing Ukrainian historical erasure, according to analysts from the Center for Strategic Communications.