Lessons in Stalinism

Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian schools have been methodically reintroducing the cult of Joseph Stalin. Children are taught that Stalin is not a “leader with blood on his hands,” but a great strategist, the inventor of school uniforms, and an inspiration for victory. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

📌 In Mytishchi, a United Russia deputy gave a lecture to high school students dedicated to Stalin’s July 3, 1941 radio address.

“This speech became a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and heroism of the entire Soviet people during the difficult years of the struggle for freedom and independence,” he told the students.

📌 In Smolensk, a school opened a Victory Day photo zone featuring a portrait of Stalin, inviting students and staff to take “vivid photos”. In Vologda region, a bust of Stalin was placed at a school entrance — right next to a monument to Lenin.

📌 In schools in Ryazan and Saratov regions, students were made to draw portraits of Stalin as part of the Victory Portrait: 1944 competition.

“The personality of J.V. Stalin and his actions during the Great Patriotic War had an enormous positive moral impact on the Soviet people, instilling confidence in ultimate victory,” declared the principal of a school in Novoye Baturino village.

📌 In Rostov region, School No. 11 in Gornyatsky held an event honoring “great Russians.” Among the political figures highlighted was Joseph Stalin — described as the man who “carried out industrialization and collectivization, which enabled victory in World War II”.

📌 In Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug (Yugra), children are taught that in 1949, Stalin introduced “the best school uniform” made from expensive cashmere. He allegedly banned lace aprons so that girls “wouldn’t look like maids from Tsarist Russia or waitresses.”

📌 At a factory in Tatarstan where local schoolchildren help assemble Iranian drones after 9th grade, a large banner reads:

“Kurchatov, Korolev, and Stalin live in your DNA”.

This isn’t mere nostalgia — it’s a systematic effort to normalize the image of a dictator.