In recent years, Russia has witnessed a profound and concerning transformation in its military-patriotic education, which is becoming an omnipresent instrument of state power, according to Jonna Alava, a researcher at the National Defence University of Finland. Her doctoral research describes a system that aims not merely to cultivate eager patriots but to condition entire generations into discipline and superficial loyalty, normalizing the concept of war within society.

Alava emphasizes that military-patriotic education is not merely a specific subject or program; instead, it serves as a pervasive framework throughout the entire education system, manifesting in various forms of patriotism across all educational levels, from early childhood education to higher education. This curriculum has even infiltrated preschool settings, with military-oriented initiatives like Cossack kindergartens surfacing. However, the most marked change has been in schools, where daily routines have been heavily politicized as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

As a consequence, school weeks now often start with lessons that are steeped in propaganda, setting the tone for a militarized educational environment. This significant shift raises important concerns about the implications for future generations in Russia and highlights the broader context of the country's militarization amid ongoing conflict, potentially shaping the mindset of youth in a manner that aligns with state-driven narratives and conflict normalization.