A new Russian school textbook titled *”Military History of Russia”* has sparked controversy by likening its country’s war in Ukraine to the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany. The book, presented in Moscow on Monday, claims that Russia was “forced” to deploy troops into Ukraine despite Western criticism and NATO support for Ukraine.
The textbook, co-authored by Vladimir Medinsky, an ally of President Putin, aims to educate younger generations about Russia’s military actions. It highlights battlefield heroism and describes modern Russian tactics as borrowed from World War II. However, Ukraine and its allies accuse the book of propagandizing a brutal war driven by territorial gains rather than necessity.
The third volume of the textbook is likely seen in Western eyes as propaganda but will be taught to students aged 15 and older. It emphasizes professionalism and courage among Russian troops and suggests that the West ignored Russia’s security concerns, citing NATO expansion and the toppling of a pro-Russia president in 2014.
Speaking at a news conference, a Russian military historian noted that the war has become “inevitable” due to Western and Ukrainian actions. The book is part of Russia’s efforts to justify its special military operation, while NATO and Ukraine deny any threat to Russia.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-issues-school-textbook-saying-it-was-forced-march-into-ukraine-2025-01-27