Kremlin intensifies propaganda targeting children on occupied territories: new history textbooks for youth under Kremlin control

Chas Pravdy - 25 September 2025 01:21

In the occupied regions of Donbas, specifically in Donetsk and Luhansk, Russian occupying authorities and propaganda structures are ramping up efforts to shape the ideological consciousness of the younger generation by employing new tools of political influence and historical distortions.

The Center for Countering Disinformation reported that in these territories, students from primary to secondary schools are being presented with specially designed history textbooks created under the guidance of Vladimir Medinsky, the chief ideologue of Kremlin’s historical policy.

These publications form part of a broader program aimed at spreading Russian ideology and fostering a positive attitude toward the occupation authorities among young people.The textbooks promote the myth of an ‘eternal connection’ between the occupied regions and Russia, while portraying Ukraine as an ‘enemy.’ By doing so, the authorities aim to eradicate Ukrainian identity and replace it with Russian culture and history.

This strategy seeks to discredit Ukraine’s independence and establish an ideological platform to train young generations to be loyal to the Kremlin regime.

Moscow recognizes the importance of the ‘mind front’ and understands that controlling education is just as critical as military operations.

Through educational initiatives, the occupation authorities try to cultivate a generation loyal to Vladimir Putin’s regime and incapable of critical thinking outside the scope of Russian propaganda.Earlier, the National Resistance Center reported that in schools of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, a new mandatory course has been introduced.

Students are required to learn and perform patriotic songs of Russian propagandists such as Shaman, Gazmanov, Maidánov, and Trofimov, as well as Soviet-era songs like the Victory Day anthem.

This is another step toward creating a culture of loyalty and promoting Russian ideology among the youth under occupation.

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#Politics