Russia rolls out new textbooks in occupied Ukraine presenting regions as historically Russian
Starting September 1, two new textbooks will become compulsory for grades 5–7 in Russian-occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts, framing these Ukrainian regions as historically Russian territory.
Two new textbooks are being introduced for schoolchildren in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, set to become compulsory from September 1 for grades 5 through 7.
The materials cover Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts — Ukrainian regions partially occupied by Russia since its full-scale invasion, but internationally recognized as sovereign Ukrainian territory. The textbooks reframe these areas as historically belonging to Russia.
Russia's education minister has described the new content as "objective."
The move is part of broader efforts by Russian authorities to integrate the education system in occupied territories into Russia's own framework, shaping how a new generation of children perceives the historical and political status of the region.
