The First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee of the Russian Federation, Alexei Zhuravlev, has proposed expanding patriotic education for the younger generation to include not only soldiers returning from operations in Ukraine but also retired servicemen at all levels of command, from generals down to majors. This stance was reported by URA.RU. He suggested that the most effective approach would involve veterans recounting their experiences and sharing firsthand accounts of what they witnessed and accomplished. This real-world testimony, in his view, could inspire national pride and a clearer sense of duty among young people.
Zhuravlev also expressed concern that the national policy framework for patriotic education had not been solidified at the legislative level. He noted that although a dedicated bill was introduced in the State Duma to streamline and unify the system of patriotic education, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation had not formulated a coherent national policy on the matter. As a result, the proposal did not progress and remained unresolved for the time being.
In a related development, Sergey Kiriyenko, who formerly led the Presidential Administration, announced the launch of a new program designed to strengthen civic knowledge and military-patriotic values across Russian society. The initiative, titled Knowledge, is intended to train trainers who will support the information center Mashuk and a network of military-patriotic education centers focused on children and youth. This program aims to equip educators and mentors with the tools to foster informed citizenship, resilience, and a sense of service among younger generations. The emphasis on training and capacity building reflects a broader effort to embed patriotic content within formal and informal educational settings, ensuring a consistent message across regions and institutions.