Russias Education Ministry Releases Curated List of Patriotic Songs for School Curriculum

On Thursday, Russia’s Education Ministry released a compilation of 37 «patriotic» songs that it suggests educators incorporate into music lessons in schools.

According to a statement from the ministry, «The document has been distributed to regions throughout Russia… Schools have the autonomy to choose whether or not to implement the suggested pieces.»

The songs were curated by a committee of cultural figures, including conductor Valery Gergiev and opera singer Ildar Abdrazakov, and are characterized as works that “promote patriotism and ethical values among students.”

The compilation features 17 wartime anthems, such as «Soldiers Are Coming,» along with 20 other songs including «Red Sun» and «My Moscow.» It includes well-known Soviet-era pieces like David Tukhmanov’s «Victory Day» and modern selections from pro-war pop artist Shaman, particularly «My Russia.»

Other notable artists who are in favor of Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine and are featured in the list comprise Oleg Gazmanov, the group Lyube, and State Duma member Denis Maidanov.

Earlier this year, Shaman, Gazmanov, and Maidanov visited schools as part of a parliamentary project aimed at compiling this list, which will begin to be implemented in classrooms next month with the start of the new school year.

This initiative is part of a broader government campaign to enhance “patriotic” education and strengthen support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Critics, however, accuse the authorities of attempting to indoctrinate young minds.