As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine approaches, the discussion focuses on the Russian society and its dynamics of loyalty and censorship. Estera Flieger engages with the content of a recent film, "Mr. Nobody vs. Putin" by Paweł Tałankin, which sheds light on the indoctrination mechanisms within schools in Russia. The film illustrates how educational environments serve as laboratories for loyalty, where critical thinking is suppressed and students are conditioned towards passivity.

The article emphasizes the contrasting attitudes among teachers depicted in the film; some strive to preserve critical thinking in their students, while others exploit these educational opportunities to propagate militaristic and nationalistic ideologies. For instance, a particular history teacher is celebrated as a 'hardline Soviet propagandist' for his active role in relaying state propaganda, showcasing the range of responses within the educational system towards the prevailing regime's narratives. This effectively underscores the complexities of societal attitudes in a repressive environment.

Moreover, experts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) have analyzed the implications of these loyalty structures on the larger Russian populace. They argue that the lack of dissent and the prevalence of self-censorship creates a comfort zone where citizens may feel they cannot oppose the state's narrative without facing repercussions. This systematic suppression not only stifles individual expression but also significantly shapes public perception regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, complicating the international community's understanding of Russian society’s stance.