Russia creates tactic to push citizens toward fighting Ukraine
=Russians are being presented the war against Ukraine as a struggle against a hostile West (Photo: Getty Images)
The Kremlin is preparing Russians for a prolonged war against Ukraine and the collective West, framing it under traditional values. This preparation will start in schools, where relevant subjects will be taught, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
In addition, so-called ideological tests will be conducted among students, and a range of films will be banned for the general public in Russia.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, these Kremlin initiatives could significantly expand control over Russia’s cultural and information spheres.
Plans are underway to create a permanent interagency group to coordinate the promotion of the “traditional values” narrative within Russia’s information space. Formally, this is presented as fostering a family-oriented environment, but the list of planned tools points to increased ideological regulation.
Film bans and pressure on online platforms
Starting March 1, 2026, Russia will implement a ban on films that allegedly discredit traditional values. Such films will not receive distribution certificates.
In addition, they are expected to be removed from major online platforms. Fines will be imposed for spreading content that falls under the new criteria.
In practice, this represents an expansion of censorship mechanisms under the guise of protecting moral standards.
New school subject and university checks
Starting with the 2026/2027 academic year, Russian schools plan to introduce a subject called Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia. It is presented as a course aimed at instilling value-oriented guidance in young people.
In higher education institutions, authorities are considering digital testing of students to assess their alignment with state ideological positions. This step could institutionalize control over worldview within the education system.
Part of a broader domestic strategy
Framing a values-based policy is part of a wider domestic political agenda. Through a moral and ideological focus, the Russian authorities aim to:
- Consolidate society around the state’s course;
- Increase loyalty to decision-making centers;
- Strengthen control over the information environment;
- Divert public attention from 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, institutionalizing the traditional values doctrine reinforces the framing of the war against Ukraine as a prolonged civilizational confrontation with the West.
This framework provides the authorities with additional justification for:
- Maintaining high military expenditures;
- Further restricting civil liberties;
- Redirecting resources toward security and military structures.
As a result, ideology is increasingly becoming a tool of governance amid prolonged confrontation and internal pressure.
Surveys in Russia show support for the war against Ukraine remains at peak levels, with two-thirds of the population favoring negotiations on Russia’s terms.
