Chronicles of Indoctrination

Over 13 million members in the “Movement of the First,” gifts only for children of war participants, Putin appears in Prostokvashino, calls for early marriage, and a documentary on school propaganda makes the Oscars shortlist — here’s what stood out this week in the realm of children’s education and upbringing in Russia.

📌 Every third student is in the “Movement of the First”

The all-Russian children's and youth organization “Movement of the First” now has 13.5 million members, with over 52,000 local branches established across the country, announced the movement’s chairman and participant in the war against Ukraine, Artur Orlov. Over the past year, the movement held more than 90,000 “Lessons of Courage”, most of which focused on historical memory, generational continuity, and service to the Motherland.

📌 Gifts — only for children of war participants

In the Irkutsk district, local authorities promised free New Year’s gifts only to children of “participants in the special military operation” (SVO). A mother of several children was told her family wasn’t eligible. Officials explained that “SVO is the first priority”, and aid for others would be decided at the local level.

📌 Putin to appear in Prostokvashino

In an upcoming episode of the beloved cartoon Prostokvashino, Putin will appear as a character, confirmed Soyuzmultfilm studio. According to the board chair, the goal is for Putin to become “the most popular soft power” tool for promoting Russia and Russian culture worldwide.

📌 Film on school propaganda shortlisted for an Oscar

The documentary Mr. Nobody against Putin by Chelyabinsk teacher Pavel Talankin has been shortlisted for Best Feature Documentary at the Oscars. It was edited from footage Pavel recorded over two years in his school in Karabash after the war began, saved on seven hard drives, and smuggled out of the country.

📌 Putin encourages early marriage

During his live Q&A session, Putin encouraged young people to start families early and have children, calling it important for demographics. He cited the family values of the Caucasus and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s family as ideal examples, stating that such models are “very well-suited” for the entire country. On the same day, schools broadcast the Q&A live during class time to students across Russia.