The start of the new school year in Russia is traditionally marked by children giving flowers to their teacher.
This year, pupils have received something in return, but it’s nowhere near as joyful as a bunch of roses.
It’s a new subject, called Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland.
Children in St Petersburg take part in a ceremony marking the start of a new school year. Pic: AP
Those aged 13 and above will learn about combat drones and army rules. Older children will even be shown how to handle a Kalashnikov.
So much for the innocence of youth.
‘Children need this’
“I welcome it,” Anna told us outside the gates of a school in Moscow, having just dropped off her grandson.
“You never know what kind of situation you might be in.”
Olga, another grandmother, agreed. “It’s great,” she said, adding “without basic military education our children are not our children”.
“We assembled a Kalashnikov in a minute back in my day. I think children need this.”
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How is Ukraine striking Russia?
The new curriculum is part of Russia’s continued attempts to shape how society views the war in Ukraine – as a defensive act against Western aggression, and the supposed liberation of a fascist state.
Rewriting the history of the invasion
In the same vein, the Kremlin has also once again rewritten history textbooks, as it’s done for each new academic year since the start of the conflict.
The chapter on the so-called Special Military Operation contains a quote from Vladimir Putin, claiming that Russia didn’t start the war.
Vladimir Putin marks Knowledge Day at a school in Kyzyl. Pic: Sputnik/Sofia Sandurskaya/Reuters
“We need the truth,” the book’s author and aide to the president, Vladimir Mendinsky, told me.
“We need history to be science, not ideology and propaganda.”
Strange, because it sure seems like it’s the other way around. So why is there no mention of Russia firing the first shot? That Moscow invaded its neighbour?
“Read it and you’ll understand,” he replied.
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Orphanage hit in Russian strike
But my understanding is different – that these books, and the new military education, offer the latest glimpse into the Kremlin’s alternate reality.
The Russian public is repeatedly told they are the victim; that they must unite in what’s portrayed as a holy war.
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Russian power plants attacked
Conflict getting closer to home
Russia also likes to tell its people that everything is under control.
But that part of the message is getting much harder to land, with the fighting suddenly much closer to home.
Over the weekend, Kyiv launched a massive drone attack across the border.
There were fires at power plants. Some drones even reached Moscow. Russia’s Ministry of Defence said it shot down more than 150 in total.
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And then, of course, there’s Ukraine’s ongoing incursion in southern Russia. As a result of that, many schools in Kursk region, and those neighbouring it, remain shut, with pupils beginning their studies online.
It was a subject broached by Russia’s leader during a visit to a school in the Siberia republic of Tuva.
Speaking to a group of students, Mr Putin said: “Our country and the armed forces will do everything to ensure normal life in these regions, and normal life for these children, is restored.
“I’m sure this will happen, there’s no doubt.”
But that’s similar to what officials said when the incursion began, insisting Ukraine’s offensive had been stopped.
Tuesday marks four weeks since it started.
