Education, the church, and youth movements: russia intensifies ideological control in the TOT
In the temporarily occupied territories, russia is strengthening its ideological influence over children and youth, including through the involvement of the church.
▫️ Starting from September 1, 2026, schools in the occupied territories will introduce a separate subject titled “Spiritual and moral culture of russia.” The course will be taught to students in grades 5–7, and its content provides for the promotion of “traditional russian spiritual and moral values,” illustrated through examples of state officials, military personnel, and participants in the war against Ukraine.
▫️ At the same time, occupation-controlled media report numerous events involving the russian orthodox church and kremlin-established youth structures such as the “young guard,” the “movement of the first,” and the “people’s druzhina.” Young people are engaged in joint prayer services, “patriotic” discussions with clergy, assistance to churches, and similar activities. These initiatives combine religious rhetoric with a militarized context, shaping in children the perception of war as a “spiritual duty.”
In essence, this reflects coordinated efforts by the occupation administration, the education system, and church structures. russia is building a comprehensive system of ideological influence aimed at russification, militarization, and the integration of children from the temporarily occupied territories into the russian political and cultural space.
