A Russian Videographer Reveals How Putin Shapes the Next Generation
The New York Times••entertainment
Key Points:
- Pavel Talankin, a longtime coordinator of events and extracurricular activities at School No. 1 in Karabash, Russia, created a welcoming environment for students, organizing clubs and capturing school life on video.
- Before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Talankin's office was a refuge where students engaged in creative and social activities rather than formal lessons.
- Following the invasion, the Russian Education Ministry implemented a new curriculum promoting support for President Putin's military goals, including grenade throwing competitions and weekly patriotic lectures.
- Students were exposed to militaristic training, such as lessons from Wagner paramilitary mercenaries on mine identification and survival tactics for severe injuries.
- The shift in school activities reflects a broader effort to
