The Militarization of Russian Schools: Preparing the Next Generation for Sacrifice

Russia is implementing measures under the guise of celebrating the Year of the Teacher and Mentor to undermine the influence of teachers in the classroom and prepare younger generations for wars of aggression. The new curriculum focuses on instilling patriotism and practical skills for warfare, such as weapon use and drone piloting. State-run extracurricular organizations are given a formal role in education, potentially curbing teachers' freedom to criticize the state. The Movement of the First, with a significant budget, actively promotes Russian patriotism, particularly in occupied territories of Ukraine. The scale and intensity of the patriotic program raise concerns about the long-term transformation of Russian society towards a constant war footing.