“Conversations About Important Things” officially introduced in russian kindergartens

As of September 1, the state-run propaganda program Conversations About Important Things has officially begun in Russian preschools. According to the Ministry of Education’s plan, it was initially scheduled to launch in 22 regions — but the sessions have already taken place in areas where no pilot rollout had been announced.

In many kindergartens, lessons followed a format identical to that used in schools: flag-raising ceremonies, PowerPoint presentations, and even a video address from Vladimir Putin. In Tobolsk, a participant of the war against Ukraine visited the children to speak about the war. In the Sverdlovsk region, preschoolers were shown a patriotic music video featuring Russian singers Grigory Leps, Alexander F. Sklyar, and Polina Gagarina.

Some preschools also used the official workbook Conversations About Important Things for Preschoolers. Its main character, a cartoon bear named Umka, introduces children to concepts like “Motherland, family, and traditions.” However, nearly every tenth page is devoted to military themes — showcasing armored vehicles, the Patriot military museum, Defender of the Fatherland Day, the St. George ribbon, and the Immortal Regiment campaign. The authors openly state that “the most important thing in life is to serve the Fatherland.”

“Each lesson focuses on a specific theme designed to foster civic, patriotic, and ethical values in the youngest citizens of our country,” reads the textbook’s introduction.