Russia launched a new schoolbook aims to justify war on Ukraine

Authorities in Moscow have introduced a controversial new schoolbook, titled "Russian History, 1945 - early 21st century," which aims to rationalize the war on Ukraine and portrays Western powers as orchestrating Russia's downfall. The textbook, co-authored by former Russian culture minister Vladimir Medinsky, claims that human civilization was at risk of collapse if Vladimir Putin had not initiated the "special military operation" against Ukraine. This marks the first officially approved history book for Russian schools that covers recent events, including the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Excerpts from the book depict Ukraine as an aggressor manipulated by Western influences, accusing the West of promoting "undisguised Russophobia" and attempting to destabilize Russia. The text also asserts that the West's ultimate goal is to dismantle Russia and seize its mineral resources. The schoolbook repeats Kremlin narratives, suggesting Ukraine's aggression and portraying the country's flag as a creation to differentiate Ukrainians from Russians.

The book distorts facts and manipulates history, including portraying Russia's initial involvement in Ukraine as a popular uprising and ignoring the influx of Russian military personnel and equipment into the region. It contends that Ukraine's potential accession to NATO was a key driver for Russia's 2022 invasion, suggesting that it was a defensive move to protect civilization.

The schoolbook faces criticism for its skewed portrayal of events, dismissal of international norms, and endorsement of conspiracy theories. Experts worry that its dissemination in schools may perpetuate misinformation and hinder objective understanding of historical events.