“Conversations about important things” to be officially introduced in Russian Kindergartens

Starting September 1, Russian kindergartens will begin holding state-mandated propaganda lessons for children aged 3 to 7. The program is being rolled out in Moscow, Chukotka, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Perm Krai, Amur, Nizhny Novgorod, and Vologda regions — with plans to expand to 22 regions across Russia and Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.

According to Education Minister Sergey Kravtsov, the goal is to “form the right understanding of key life values and ultimately raise worthy citizens of their country.”

“It is during preschool years that the foundation of a child’s personality, their values, and worldview is laid,” Kravtsov emphasized.

The idea to extend Conversations About Important Things to preschoolers was proposed by Vladimir Putin during a 2024 meeting with teachers.

Following this, kindergarten social media pages began posting reports of propaganda sessions involving young children. Early sessions have included talks about war and patriotism, and featured children dressed in military uniforms.