Full Immersion in the War

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.”