The Kremlin has designated 2025 as the “Year of the Defender of the Fatherland” and, in connection with this, is expanding the network of military-patriotic educational programs for youth, according to the American Institute for the Study of War. According to experts, this may signal that Vladimir Putin intends to prepare society for a prolonged war. What will the propaganda education in Russian schools entail?
The Kremlin Plans a Permanent Operation on Children
Putin has approved instructions and orders for the government related to the establishment and development of a network of military-sports camps for youth to promote enlistment in the army. He also aims to build a special online platform to spread knowledge about the military and patriotism among young Russians. As stated, camps, which were previously organized once a year, will become part of a so-called permanent operation starting in 2025.
Additionally, Moscow plans to introduce a program called “Paths of Victory” across Russia, which, according to its propagandists, is intended to instill patriotic feelings in children and youth. This includes, among other things, trips to Russian memorial sites. Similar programs are to be introduced in the Ukrainian-occupied territories as well.
A Prolonged War
According to experts from the Institute for the Study of War, this is a step further towards the indoctrination of society, especially the Ukrainian one, with Russian cultural and historical narratives. Specialists assess that this may be preparing citizens for a prolonged war not only with Ukraine but also with the entire West, in order to increase the effects of a later, widespread mobilization.
The Kremlin previously used military and sports training camps like “Avangarda” to militarize and indoctrinate Ukrainian youth with Russian cultural and historical narratives and appears to be expanding its network of these and similar camps throughout Russia as part of its long-term efforts to generate forces – reads the ISW report.
Organizations Supported by the Kremlin
The Kremlin is also preparing to expand and elevate the status of other military-patriotic youth organizations, such as Junarmiya and the First Movement, to further militarize Russian youth. Furthermore, it is utilizing the “Time of Heroes” program to place war veterans from Ukraine in government positions and to militarize Russian society more broadly.
According to American military analysts, Russia also aims in 2025 to use combat organizations and veterans’ associations to further militarize society in Russia.
Key Findings of the ISW on December 21, 2024:
- Expansion of Educational Programs: Putin continues to expand the network of so-called military-patriotic education programs for youth in Russia and occupied Ukraine on the eve of the Kremlin-announced “Year of the Defender of the Fatherland” in 2025.
- Drone Attacks on Kazan: On December 21, Ukrainian forces conducted drone attacks on Kazan, Russia.
- Advancements in Kursk Region: Russian forces have advanced in the Kursk region and near Pokrowsk and Kurachow.
- Territorial Gains by Ukrainian Forces: Ukrainian forces have regained lost territory around Pokrowsk.
- Development of Drone Systems: The Russian Ministry of Defense continues to boast about efforts to create an army of drone systems following Putin’s official order to develop a new type of combat weapon.
