Patriotism-focused youth centers may be established within the framework of the Union State, with Russia’s Ministry of Education acting as the state customer. The plans were outlined by Ivan Melnikov, deputy speaker of the State Duma and co-chair of the Parliamentary Assembly Commission on Historical Memory.
The commission discussed proposals to institute a Union State award for contributions to preserving historical memory.
“The establishment of such an award would make a significant contribution to the patriotic upbringing of young people, support academic research and cultural-educational projects. Without the active involvement of youth, it is impossible to ensure the transmission of historical truth from one generation to the next and to protect it from distortion,” said Ivan Melnikov.
“In practical terms, these tasks can be effectively addressed on the basis of patriotism centers. Chair of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State, Vyacheslav Volodin, instructed that the development of such centers within the Union State be examined.
A successful example cited was the Republican Center for Patriotic Education of Youth located at the Kobryn fortification of the Brest Fortress. In such symbolic places, young people come into contact with living history, feel how high the price of Victory was and why defending one’s homeland matters. These impressions have a profound impact on personal development,” he added.
According to Melnikov, cooperation between relevant ministries and regional authorities has already been established. In summer 2026, up to 50 young people from Russia’s Volgograd Region are expected to be hosted at the Brest center. A reciprocal program is planned for Belarusian participants at the Avangard defense-sports camp in Volgograd Region.
Russia’s Ministry of Education has expressed readiness to become the state customer of a new Union State program tentatively titled Center for Patriotic Education of Youth of the Union State. The initiative could later receive the status of an annual event.