In a concerning development, the Kremlin has decided to close the Gulag History Museum, which served as a crucial institution documenting the crimes of Stalinism and the extensive terror imposed during that era. This decision coincides with the announcement of new prison constructions by the FSB, which have been described by political analysts Andrej Soldatov and Irina Borogan as 'Gulag 2'. The shutdown of the museum and the opening of these new facilities signal a troubling trend towards reinforcing oppressive narratives and suppressing historical truths.

Publicist Peter Juščák, who has extensively studied Soviet labor camps, highlighted that Russian memory is currently suffering from both the closure of historical institutions like the museum and a systematic effort to cultivate a revised narrative of the past. He emphasized that this manipulation of history begins at a young age, with children in kindergarten being taught a distorted version of events. Juščák's research, particularly his works on Czechs and Slovaks who were taken to gulags, reflects a growing concern about the erosion of historical accuracy and the potential consequences of this revisionist approach on collective memory.

The broader implications of these changes are significant, as they suggest a strategic effort by the Kremlin to return to a glorified narrative of the Soviet past while fostering a sense of victimhood among the population. As new monuments to figures like Stalin are erected, it becomes evident that the regime's focus is not on historical truth but rather on quick returns to comforting illusions about glory and power. The risks of such a narrative are profound, potentially paving the way for increased oppression and a further disconnect from the historical realities that shaped Russian society, particularly those of the gulag era.