February 13, 2025

Full Immersion in the War


Full Immersion in the War
An interactive exhibit in a school in Nizhny Novgorod. Group in Vkontakte.

Schools across Russia are opening interactive exhibits about Russia’s War on Ukraine, according to the independent publication Verstka. These virtual “museums” immerse children in the conflict by presenting alleged examples of Nazism in Ukraine, predicting the capture of Kharkov, and offering virtual tours of Russian-occupied territories.

The museums were created by a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the spring of 2023. Initially, the exhibits featured helmets, ammunition, and other artifacts of the war—sometimes even “trophy” items taken from deceased Ukrainian soldiers. More recently, the Nizhny Novgorod-based IT company Digital Space developed a VR component that can be installed on standard computers or integrated with virtual reality headsets and large-screen panels, depending on a school’s budget.

According to Verstka, the online platform includes “2,000 pieces of content” related to the war. The content spans more than 120 thematic sections, soldier testimonials, over 40 immersive 360-degree video segments, and more than 50 models of military equipment.

Before children begin the interactive portion, they are shown video addresses from Putin and presented with materials on alleged Nazism in Ukraine, NATO support, and information warfare. They also see a timeline of the conflict that ends with a segment reading, “Kharkov is a Russian city, the enemy will be defeated,” with “Coming soon” instead of a date.

Students can then take virtual tours of occupied Ukrainian territories. In one example, Verstka said, users view the city of Severodonetsk through a destroyed apartment building, with a tank positioned between entrances. The platform also displays 3D models of weapons, tanks, and aircraft and touts the “benefits” of participating in the war, such as favorable mortgage rates for service members.

After exploring the materials, students are invited to complete a digital “quest” with questions on topics such as why the Russian military withdrew from Zmeiny (Snake) Island, the goals of the war as outlined by Putin, and how to determine reliable sources of information — comparing independent and non-trustworthy outlets such as Meduza with the "reliable" state-run news agency TASS.

Those who answer correctly gain access to an additional “hall” in the virtual museum. There, they can choose a role — soldier, volunteer, or civilian — in a series of “role-playing mini-games.”

According to Verstka, the virtual museums have been installed in 250 schools across 12 regions, stretching from Kaliningrad to Sakhalin. Digital Space employee Andrey Chizhov told the publication that requests for such equipment from schools are “persistent.”

You Might Also Like

Fabricating a Terrorist
  • August 28, 2024

Fabricating a Terrorist

A Ukrainian refugee in Russia received threatening messages from a Telegram account. Then she was arrested for terrorism.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955