In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, particularly in Luhansk, Russia, in addition to the usual propaganda messages during school lessons, integrates young Ukrainians into its informational space. Under the guise of "noble" contests and actions, Russia promotes its culture and imposes values foreign to Ukrainian society. So, what is hidden behind these seemingly ordinary actions?
Support for the "Special military operation" (SMO)
Regular actions are carried out in educational institutions in Luhansk. Through these actions, the occupying administrations instill love and respect for Russian military personnel, distorting reality completely.
Examples of such actions include:
In the "Leader" Lyceum in Bilovodsk (Starobilsk raion), students wrote letters to members of the Special military operation.
"In their letters, the children congratulate the members of the SMO on the upcoming holiday, wish them health, success, and a speedy return home. The kids tried to express their admiration for the courage of our soldiers, convey words of support to them, share their warmth. To support and cheer them up, assure them that they are loved and eagerly awaited at home," the post says.
In the Antratsyt Educational and Educational Complex No. 1, not only did students write such letters, but they also handed them to "members of the SMO." Meetings between children and Russian troops are regularly organized, helping to build trust in them, according to the organizers. Thus, those who destroyed hundreds of houses and killed thousands of people become heroes in the eyes of Ukrainian children.
Another widespread action is gifting presents to Russian military personnel. Here's an example:
From our own sources, we learned that during winter holidays, children from Luhansk were taken to the circus in Luhansk. It wasn’t without the support of the so-called "SMO." During the circus performance, a tank enters the arena and fires a shot:
Integration with Russia
The goal of such actions is to show that Russia is a land of opportunities and helps residents of the so-called "republics" achieve success and make a name for themselves.
For example, a large family from Kipuche (Alchevsk raion in Luhansk) recently caught the attention of Russian social media. The family participated in the All-Russian Family Forum "Relatives – Beloved." Even the militant Pasichnik wrote about it:
"Among more than a thousand participants is the Serhienko family from Artemivsk, representing our republic and has reached the final of the 'Family Talent Show' competition."
Not surprisingly, the perfect family for Putin was selected for the competition. What does this mean? The Russian dictator emphasizes in his speeches that his citizens should have more children (to have a powerful mobilization resource) and actively support military actions in Ukraine.
The Serhienko family has 5 children, and their father, of course, is involved in the so-called "SMO." Thus, Russian resources showcase an example of an "ideal family" from the occupied Luhansk, to which everyone else should aspire. This is another element of propaganda creating the image that all residents of Luhansk want to join Russia and support the war.
Contests for the Media
Recently, the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation, together with the public-law company "Territory Development Fund," announced a contest for journalists called "Creation and Development." Among numerous categories, there is one for the "Best material on the work to restore objects of communal infrastructure and housing stock in the territories of new subjects of the Russian Federation (LPR, DPR, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts)."
So, through such contests, more stories about the "successful restoration" of the occupied territories will emerge.
Another journalistic contest was held in the temporarily occupied Donetsk oblast: "Donbas is the heart of Russia" in memory of Anatoliy Zharov (he fought on the side of the Russians, died in Mariupol on April 1. From 2015, he worked in the "Ministry of Information of the DPR").
Within this contest, journalists prepared written materials about life in the frontline areas of the city.
Creative Contests
Even under seemingly innocent creative contests, Russia attempts to integrate residents of the occupied territories into the Russian space. A vivid example is the all-Russian song flash mob with an interesting name, "We are millions of Russians."
The conditions are no less striking:
"Participants have to sing a song composed by the leader of the 8th Army ensemble 'Novorossiya' from LPR, a member of the SMO Roman Razum, 'We are millions of Russians,' and pass the relay to the next city."
Under the seemingly ordinary song flash mob, active support for the Russian army is hidden, and this is not concealed. The goal of the flash mob, according to the organizers:
"In anticipation of the 2nd anniversary of the start of the special operation, we want to sing it with the whole country and show our support to the guys – the Heroes – who are fighting for the Russian world in Donbas and Novorossiya today."
Thus, Russia always acts in its own favor. Through these measures, the Russian authorities justify their armed aggression in Ukraine and impose their "power and omnipotence." These are the contests for you...
