Lithuania Proposes Replacing Russian Authors With Ukrainian Classics in School Curriculum

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has proposed that the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports revise the national general education programs approved in 2022.

The proposal aims to remove works by Russian author Mikhail Lomonosov, citing his praise of Russian imperial wars, according to LRT on August 3.

Sinkevičius stated that Lithuanian students should not learn patriotism and citizenship from writers linked to Russian imperial ideology. Lomonosov was an 18th-century Russian scientist and writer who discovered the atmosphere of Venus. He authored scientific and literary works, including "Letter on the Rules of Russian Versification," the ode "On the Taking of Khotin," and the treatise "Discourse on the Usefulness of Chemistry."

Lomonosov sparks controversy because, alongside his scientific achievements, he acted as a court poet and ideologist whose ceremonial odes explicitly glorified Russian imperial expansion and autocratic rule.

Instead, he suggested adding works by classic Ukrainian author Taras Shevchenko  to the curriculum to help young Lithuanians better understand Ukrainian identity and the literary foundation that shaped it.

The updated educational standards set in 2022 faced criticism during their implementation over recommended reading lists.

Critics pointed out that the 2022 guidelines included more Russian authors than previous programs while omitting Ukrainian literature.

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In response to calls for adding Ukrainian classics like Taras Shevchenko, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports noted that studying Russian writers is optional and that teachers are free to select literature from other countries.

Meanwhile, parliament in neighboring Latvia recently passed amendments banning the import of specific goods from Russia and Belarus, including books and periodicals.

Earlier, Ukraine became a key focus of Lithuania's revised National Security Strategy for 2026, according to an analysis released by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.

The draft strategy, developed by the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense, clearly outlines that European security cannot be ensured without a sovereign, independent, and secure Ukraine, fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic community.

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