Chronicles of Indoctrination

Propaganda from TV screens instead of textbooks, “approved songs” by Gazmanov and SHAMAN, Putin on top of a pyramid of TVs, drones in preschools, and an atmosphere of self-censorship in classrooms — the new academic year in Russia began with a fresh wave of militarization and ideological pressure on children.

📌 The Textbook That Feels Like State TV

The Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) published a breakdown of the new unified history textbook for 11th grade and an investigation video into its authors — Vladimir Medinsky and MGIMO rector Anatoly Torkunov. The book reads more like a Kremlin broadcast: stories of “heroes of the Special Military Operation,” tales of biolabs, “Ukrainian neo-Nazism,” and an overwhelming presence of Putin.

📌 “Bit My Tongue”: The Culture of Self-Censorship

NeNorma spoke with three teachers from a prestigious St. Petersburg gymnasium. They described how the school has changed since the war began. One of the most striking effects is the loss of trust between students and teachers. “There are topics you just don’t talk about. So it's better not to open up at all,” said one educator.

📌 “Correct” Songs for Students

The Ministry of Education approved a list of 37 patriotic songs for use in civic education. Among the recommended artists: Oleg Gazmanov, Denis Maidanov, Sergey Trofimov, and SHAMAN. The selection was overseen by conductor Valery Gergiev and other regime-aligned cultural figures.

📌 Putin on a Pyramid of TVs

At School "Luch" in Belgorod, murals were repainted for September 1st. Where there were once cheerful images, there are now tanks crushing sunflowers and a pyramid of TV sets with Putin at the top. In the school lobby, staff also installed a life-size cutout of an armed soldier in front of a Russian flag.

📌 Drones From Preschool

Preschools in Perm have started teaching drone operation. Starting this year, every district must have at least one kindergarten with such a program. These announcements are often posted alongside recruitment ads for the Russian military’s contract service — aimed at parents.