The Kremlin Has Come Up With A New Method Of Inciting Russians To War
- 18.02.2026, 8:23
Preparing for a long war against the collective West will start from school.
The Kremlin is preparing Russians for a long war against Ukraine and the collective West by formalizing it into "traditional values." The preparation for war will start already from school, where the relevant subjects will be taught.
This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
The Russian Federation will also conduct so-called ideological tests among students, and in general, Russians will be banned a number of other films.
The SVRU writes that the Kremlin's initiatives could significantly expand control in Russia over the cultural and information sphere.
The creation of a permanent interdepartmental group that would coordinate the promotion of the "traditional values" narrative in the Russian information space is being considered. Formally, this is presented as the formation of a "family-oriented environment," but the list of planned tools indicates a strengthening of ideological regulation.
Film ban and pressure on online platforms
From March 1, 2026, a ban on the distribution of films that allegedly discredit "traditional values" will come into force in Russia. Such films will not receive rental certificates.
In addition, they are planned to be ousted from major online platforms. Fines are envisaged for the distribution of content that would fall under the new criteria.
Factually, this is an expansion of censorship mechanisms under the guise of protecting moral standards.
New subject in schools and checks in universities
Simultaneously with the 2026/2027 academic year, Russian schools plan to introduce the subject "spiritual and moral culture of Russia". It is positioned as a course aimed at fostering "value orientations" in young people.
In higher education institutions, the introduction of digital testing of students for compliance with the ideological guidelines of the state is being considered. Such a move could mean institutionalizing worldview control in the educational system.
Part of a broader domestic strategy
The formulation of a "values" policy is an element of a broader domestic political line. Through a moral and ideological agenda, the Russian government seeks to:
consolidate society around the state course;
increase loyalty to the center of decision-making;
increase control over the information environment;
decrease public attention to economic problems.
Shifting the focus from socio-economic difficulties to cultural conflicts allows the Kremlin to reduce political risks and mobilize the electorate around ideological slogans.
Foreign Policy Dimension
In foreign policy, the institutionalization of the doctrine of "traditional values" reinforces the view of the war against Ukraine as a long civilizational confrontation with the West.
This framework provides the authorities with additional arguments for:
maintaining high military expenditures;
further restrictions on civil liberties;
redistributing resources in favor of the security forces.
So ideology is increasingly becoming a tool of governance in conditions of protracted confrontation and internal pressure.