Youth Verification Skills, Information Literacy, and Regional Engagement
Experts gathered at the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation discussed the need to arm Russian youth with strong verification skills and to cultivate trust in information sourced directly from credible individuals in the newly integrated regions. They also called for more nationwide events featuring representatives from the regions that recently joined the Russian Federation. The consensus came during the roundtable titled “Youth and SVO,” underscoring a focus on informed citizenship and resilient civic life.
Leaders of youth non-governmental organizations, public figures, educators, and journalists explored issues ranging from patriotic education and expanded voluntary activity to fraud prevention and the integration of youth organizations from the new federal subjects into the broader public sphere. They examined how young people perceive the country’s operations and their role within this evolving national context.
During discussions, attention was given to findings from a VTsIOM study showing that a notable portion of the population identifies as patriotic, with the share being lower among younger generations. The participants stressed that it is not necessary to teach youth what patriotism means or to explain the government’s actions in the Donbass and Lugansk regions, as many already understand the broader picture and implications for the nation.
Elena Rodionova, who chairs the Commission of the Civil Chamber of the Russian Federation for the Development of Youth Affairs, Volunteering and Patriotic Education, emphasized that how today’s youth interpret current events will shape the country’s future. She remarked that the actions of the younger generation are a source of pride and thanked everyone who contributes to youth development and public service around the clock.
Rodionova also pointed out that many young people struggle with processing information, engaging in discussion, asking questions, and defending their viewpoints. A survey among youths revealed a range of responses: some openly discuss what they know about current operations, others admit gaps, and a few prefer not to speak at all.
She described the project “Talk About Important Matters” as a commendable initiative of the Ministry of Education and expressed confidence that such sessions should be conversations rather than formal lectures, allowing space for dialogue and critical thinking.
Alexander Malkevich, the First Deputy Chairman of the Information Society, Mass Media and Mass Communication Development Commission of the Civil Chamber, updated attendees on the presence of young military leaders operating in Zaporozhye and Kherson. He highlighted that these journalists energize many young people throughout the country, becoming the backbone of the “media volunteers” movement, and stressed that Russians should have direct visibility of their work and impact. [attribution: Public Chamber roundtable discussion on youth and information literacy]