Russian Teachers Instructed to Identify Disloyal Students During Weekly Patriotic Classes

Russian schools are using weekly “Important Conversations” classes to promote patriotism and government-approved narratives about the war in Ukraine. According to human-rights advocates, teachers are instructed to observe students’ behavior, record their opinions and report those considered disloyal to police or security services. The lessons began in 2022 and have expanded across the education system, with similar programs reaching kindergartens. Critics say the policy turns classrooms into tools of political indoctrination, suppresses dissent and places pressure on children and families.