Vladimir Putin is taking on the role of an educator.
Following the commencement of Russia's conflict against Ukraine, a subject titled "Discussions about Pivotal Matters" was introduced in Russian schools. During a pitstop in the Siberian republic of Tuva, President Vladimir Putin decided to deliver a lecture on this topic. He proudly commended the progress of Russian forces in the Donbass region. Despite Ukraine's attempt to thwart Russian advancements with a counteroffensive in the Kursk area, the results were unfavorable. "We're not talking about progressing by 200 to 300 meters," Putin explained to Russian news outlets. "We're talking about numerous square kilometers. That's the consistent pace we've demonstrated in the Donbass offensive."
During his journey to Mongolia, Putin made a detour to the Siberian republic of Tuva to educate children on the new subject "Discussions about Pivotal Matters," which is meant to align children with the Kremlin's political agenda. Putin frequently assumes the role of the head teacher on the opening day of school in recent years.
Putin reiterates familiar narratives
During his public presentation, he echoed his past claims that the conflict was instrumental for the protection of his homeland. "We're safeguarding not only the residents in the Donbass but also our shared future – the future of Russia. We cannot afford to allow hostile structures to be developed so close to us that harbor hostile intentions against our country and consistently try to undermine Russia," he asserted, referencing Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership.
Once more, he justified his aggression towards foreign territory, labeling the Ukrainian soldiers participating in the counteroffensive in the Kursk area as "outlaws" who needed to be dealt with. In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces continued to hold the upper hand, primarily due to Russia's failure to withdraw troops from the attack's primary focus in Donetsk to defend against the counteroffensive.
In light of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, Putin's lecture in Tuva revolved around the topic of "Discussions about Pivotal Matters," aimed at aligning children with the Kremlin's political agenda. Regarding the Ukrainian conflict, Putin defended his aggression and labeled Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk area as "outlaws," emphasizing that they needed to be dealt with due to their role in the counteroffensive.
