militarized atmosphere
London: Kremlin plans Soviet-style military classes
01/29/2023 2:26 p.m
From September, young people at Russian schools are to receive basic military training. Similar training already existed in the Soviet Union. The British Ministry of Defense says the Kremlin is deliberately alluding to this by reintroducing training.
London sees the introduction of military training in Russian schools as paralleling what was taught in Soviet times. The introduction of basic training for Russian students is a presumably intentional allusion to the Soviet Union, in which similar training was compulsory in schools until 1993, it was said in the daily Short report from the British Ministry of Defence. It also reflects the increasingly militarized atmosphere of wartime Russia.
According to the Russian Ministry of Education, basic training should begin in September of this year, including how to use assault rifles and hand grenades, as well as military drills. Similar training should also take place at universities. According to British estimates, this should increase the readiness for mobilization and military service among young people. Pupils approaching conscription age should already be equipped with military skills.
“This initiative is also likely part of a broader project to instill in the Russian people an ideology of patriotism and trust in public institutions,” London said in November. The Russian Ministry of Defense supports the program and has stipulated that at least 140 hours in the academic year are earmarked for the so-called military preparation course.
The British Ministry of Defense has published daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, citing intelligence information. In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a disinformation campaign.