MOSCOW—It will take some time to revise Russia's history textbooks to reflect the annexation of Crimea. But that's not preventing the authorities from moving quickly to assure the country's school curriculum sticks to a politically—and patriotically—correct line on the issue. In recent weeks, a new course titled "We Are Together" has been introduced in high schools throughout the country. The course presents the annexation as a "reunification of Crimea with Russia"—the exact phrase used by Russian authorities.
Officials from the ruling United Russia party, which is spearheading the educational campaign, have joined teachers to give lectures on patriotism as part of the course. "As a former teacher, I understand that the events in Ukraine, Crimea, and Russia need to be clarified for students," Nikolai Bulayev, a State Duma deputy from the United Russia party, said in remarks reported by Russian media. "We need to explain the position taken by our president to them," Bulayev added.
During a lecture at School No. 28 in the city of Ulyanovsk, on the Volga River some 560 miles from Moscow, history instructor Lyubov Moskalyova is busy clarifying and explaining.
"Of course, not all states want to see a strong Russia that carries out its foreign policy according to its national interests," Moskalyova tells students as an official from the local mayor's office looks on. "I am happy for Russia, I am proud of my president," she adds, her voice cracking with emotion. The students appear bored and listlessly repeat memorized information about Crimea's economy, geography, and history.