Russia allocates 1.5 billion rubles for propaganda and the indoctrination of a ‘new generation’ in occupied Ukrainian territories
Russian invaders are actively channeling substantial funds into shaping ideology in temporarily occupied Ukrainian regions.
According to the Center for National Resistance, over 1.5 billion rubles have been allocated for propaganda programs and youth education in the areas seized by the enemy.
These funds are systematically directed towards pro-Russian forces and educational institutions to foster a ‘correct’ historical and political consciousness among local residents and the younger generation in line with Russian interests.Special attention is given to the education sector: so-called ‘senator’ Kastuychev personally oversees the teaching of history and other subjects in the occupied territories, ensuring that the war is portrayed as a ‘restoration of lands,’ and Russian military personnel are depicted as ‘peacekeepers.’ Additionally, regional ‘methodological centers’ are established where teachers are trained in loyalty to Russia, which influences their evaluations and attitudes.Apart from educational policies, Russia accelerates youth recruitment via higher education institutions, attracting students from the temporarily occupied territories for future use in its interests.
On the occupied Donetsk region, ‘methodological centers’ are being set up to retrain teachers and propagandists to promote loyalty to Russia.In this context, the living conditions for civilians under occupation appear particularly dire: people are forced to survive without water, heat, and basic necessities, while Russian authorities ignore their suffering and focus solely on expanding propaganda and consolidating their positions in the region.