On the fourth anniversary of the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine, Russia launched the 7th historical and patriotic dictation “Bringing Victory Closer: Russia. Sovereignty. Future.” On February 24, it was held offline in St. Petersburg at the “Russia — My History” park.
“This is an opportunity to express your position, strengthen national self-awareness, and make a personal contribution to building national unity on the path to a shared Victory,” the organizers say.
Schools, kindergartens, and colleges активно encourage children aged 12 and older to participate online, promising certificates and a trip to St. Petersburg for top performers.
According to the organizers, this year the dictation впервые includes questions related to the “current political situation and the special military operation.” Out of 20 questions, none appear unrelated to the war against Ukraine, Putin, or the “current political situation.”
Students are asked when “Novorossiya” was founded — accompanied by the wording “Novorossiya is historically Russian land” — how many participants in the war in Ukraine have become “Heroes of Russia,” when the song “Mother Earth” was written, to draw parallels between the Russo-Turkish War and the “special military operation,” and to explain when and why the term “Russian Spring” first entered mass consciousness.
“Latin letters Z and V are placed on Russian military equipment, meaning ‘For Victory,’ ‘Strength is in Truth,’ ‘The task will be accomplished.’ When, where, and why did the tradition of writing something in white paint on combat vehicles originate?” children are asked.
A separate block of questions is devoted to Putin. Students must identify the stated goal of the “special military operation” announced on February 24, 2022, explain what is meant by “service to the Fatherland,” and name a project launched in 2026.
“For decades, Russian-language literature was systematically destroyed in Ukraine,” begins one question about a campaign to replenish the collections of educational institutions in the Kherson region.
In addition to text-based questions, participants are required to watch a trailer for the film “By Human Hands and Feet” about collecting humanitarian aid and write an essay on the topic “My personal contribution to Victory.”
