Russian authorities prepare "special textbook on Ukrainian language" for residents of occupied territories

This was reported by Novyny Donbasu online media.

According to the state contract, Russia is creating a Ukrainian language textbook for students of 5-9 grades in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. It is intended exclusively for those who decide to continue their education in Ukrainian.

The so-called textbook is supposed to "form traditional Russian values in students, reflecting the original spiritual, historical and cultural development of the multinational people of Russia, historical memory and continuity of generations, the unity of the peoples of Russia, higher moral feelings, the priority of the spiritual over the material, and family traditions."

The educational tasks in the textbook are intended to foster children's "civic position" and comply with the Russian Constitution. All illustrative material in the textbook should consist of 90% Russian content.

The creation of such a textbook costs 8.5 million rubles (USD 112,000).

"Students will be given the opportunity to continue learning Ukrainian as their mother tongue by the decision of their parents and teachers," said Russian Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov.

• In May 2022, Russian occupiers changed "Kyiv Rus" to "Rus" in history textbooks for children from the temporarily occupied territories.

• On January 30, Russian Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov announced the creation of a school history textbook that will include information about the war against Ukraine. It will be included in the curriculum starting next school year.