Russia to Require Kindergartens to Buy State-Approved “Traditional Values” Toys

Russia’s Ministry of Education has announced plans to introduce a list of toys for preschools that will adhere to the country’s “traditional values.” According to Minister Sergey Kravtsov, these toys will be required for purchase by kindergartens across Russia as part of a broader initiative to standardize early childhood education resources.

As reported by The Moscow Times, Kravtsov outlined in a statement to RIA Novosti that the ministry plans to establish a comprehensive and systematic approach to equipping kindergartens across the country. This includes defining a minimum list of educational materials, games, and toys that are in line with Russian “traditional values” and that contribute to child development.

“These toys will help children become familiar with Russia’s cultural traditions, its achievements, historical figures, and folk arts,” Kravtsov said.

As part of this effort, the Ministry of Education is also working on revising the Federal State Educational Standard for preschool education, aiming to strengthen the educational components of early childhood programs. Additionally, the ministry plans to provide guidelines for the “modern and safe design of kindergarten spaces,” including those suitable for children with disabilities.

In a broader effort to reinforce national cultural norms, Russian lawmakers are advancing legislation that seeks to impose stricter oversight on online streaming platforms. The proposed changes, which have passed their first reading in the State Duma, are designed to ensure that digital cinema content aligns with what officials define as “Russian values.”

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The draft law stipulates that streaming services will be prohibited from airing films without official distribution licenses—something previously required only for theatrical releases. This measure aims to block content deemed "destructive" or incompatible with national cultural standards.

Andrei Svintsov, Deputy head of the Duma Committee on Information Policy stated that platforms failing to comply could face significant fines or even temporary suspension. Svintsov expressed particular concern over content that features LGBTQ+ themes or what he termed as “propaganda.” Such content would be flagged and submitted to the Ministry of Culture for further review.

What are Russian “traditional values”?

In Russian state media, “traditional values” are presented as the opposite of what the Kremlin calls “Western moral decay”. 

They center on the heterosexual family, obedience to authority, the Orthodox Church, and loyalty to the state, while LGBTQ+ rights and liberal ideas are portrayed as threats to children and society. Laws banning so-called “LGBT propaganda” are framed as protecting Russia from foreign influence.

These values are also tied to militarism. Schools and youth programs promote discipline, sacrifice, and respect for the armed forces, while the war against Ukraine is cast as a fight to defend Russia’s identity from Nazis and the “decaying West”.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia may soon develop its own version of Disneyland, inspired by characters from domestic animated films and cinema.

A member of the Federation Council’s culture committee highlighted that there has been a growing momentum within Russian society to "reinforce the domestic cultural identity," which, he believes, has sparked an increasing demand for the "reinterpretation and celebration" of Soviet creative heritage.

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