Parents and Teachers Push Back Against Patriotic Education in Russia

As the war in Ukraine approaches the three-year mark, an increasing number of Russian parents and educators are implementing unconventional methods to dodge state-mandated patriotic education classes. Reports indicate that certain schools are fabricating schedules to conceal their efforts, while other parents have resorted to homeschooling. These actions stem from concerns over the pervasive propaganda permeating schools, forcing parents and teachers to engage in a relentless struggle for their children's understanding of the war.

Varvara, a mother of four from St. Petersburg, shared her experiences anonymously to avoid potential consequences. She highlighted various school activities tilted heavily toward pro-war sentiments, such as music competitions focused on military songs and field trips to listen to veterans espousing nationalistic views. This trend began when President Vladimir Putin introduced "patriotic education" shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which many critics once believed would only find traction in economically disadvantaged areas. However, three years later, this indoctrination has reportedly entrenched itself deeply into the educational landscape across Russia, raising alarms among parents and analysts alike.