How the Kremlin uses “museums of smo” for propaganda among children
Across Russia, so-called “museums of smo” are being opened on a massive scale—yet another Kremlin propaganda tool, particularly aimed at children.
These museums are already operating in Moscow and major cities, as well as in district centers, villages, and national republics like Buryatia and Bashkortostan. Special emphasis is placed on opening “museums of smo” directly in schools, as children are the primary target audience. An “all-Russian interactive museum” has also been established.
▪️ Created on the orders of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, these museums follow a standardized template that equates the war against Ukraine with World War II. The key narrative: “Russia is fighting fascists in Ukraine, just as our grandfathers did.” The cult of personality of Putin is also being promoted.
For the Kremlin, these “museums of smo” are a crucial tool for normalizing war, spreading hatred toward Ukraine, militarizing children, and preparing them for future conflicts.
