Kremlin pushes ‘traditional values’ drive to ready Russians for long war

The agency said Moscow is shaping domestic policy around that narrative and plans to entrench it in the education system — beginning in schools.

According to the intelligence service, Russian authorities are considering establishing a permanent interagency group to coordinate the promotion of “traditional values” across the country’s information space. Formally, the initiative is presented as fostering a “family-oriented environment,” but the agency assesses that it is aimed at tightening ideological control over the cultural and information spheres.

The intelligence service said plans include introducing, starting March 1, 2026, a ban on the distribution of films that Russian authorities may deem to “discredit traditional values.” Such films would be denied distribution licenses, and content on online platforms could face additional restrictions, including fines.

Another section concerns education. Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, Russian schools are expected to introduce a subject titled “Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia.” Universities may also implement digital testing of students to assess their “compliance” with state ideological guidelines.

Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service said the policy has both domestic and external dimensions: internally, it is intended to consolidate society and divert attention from socioeconomic problems, while externally it reinforces the framing of Russia’s war against Ukraine as a “civilizational confrontation” with the West.