World News

Here’s what Russia is teaching high schoolers about Ukraine on September 8, 2023 at 10:27 pm

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2023

Russian President Vladimir Putin is extending his propaganda campaign about Ukraine into the country’s high schools.

Russia this week released an updated textbook that supports his narrative about Ukraine, the U.S. and its western allies as he seeks to overhaul the curriculum in the coming year.

Critics say the new textbook lays out a false narrative about the war in Ukraine, which Russia still refers to as a ”special military operation,” and aims to erase Ukrainian history. Putin also appears to be using it as part of a goal of mobilizing youth toward an increasingly militarized culture.

The Russian school curriculum will be disseminated in Crimea, which Putin illegally annexed in 2014, as well as Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, according to human rights group Amnesty International.

Fedor Krasheninnikov, a Russian political analyst and frequent Kremlin critic, said the textbooks are a “special construction” of Putin’s view of reality.

“He created this textbook by propaganda,” he said. “It’s not a real textbook.”

The new textbook, called the “History of Russia 1945 — The Start of 21st Century,” is designed for older high-school students in Russia and Russian-held territories.

According to images shared by Russian state-run media outlets, the textbooks accuse Ukraine of being an “ultra-nationalist state,” where any dissent is “harshly persecuted, opposition is banned, everything Russian is declared hostile.”

The textbooks accuses the West stealing assets from Russia, say the U.S. was the instigator of the war in Ukraine and accuse Washington of using Ukrainians to destroy the Russian state.

It also falsely states that the western security alliance NATO was plotting to attack the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine and that Russia had to block Ukraine from joining NATO to prevent a wider, destructive war, according to Amnesty International.

Taras Kuzio, a professor of political science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, said the textbook exaggerates Russia’s victimhood, ignores its imperialistic ambitions, and propagates the “exceptionalism” of Russia.

“In this highly distorted and hopelessly partisan reading of history, the largest nation on the planet is also the world’s biggest victim,” Kuzio wrote in an analysis. “This embrace of exceptionalism encourages Russians to romanticize the violence that has defined much of their country’s history.”

Russian Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov said the new textbooks are designed for 11th grade students and will tell “the most important events related to the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol, the causes and progress of a special military operation, and the entry into the Russian Federation of new regions.”

“It tells about the feat of our new heroes of the Fatherland,” Kravtsov said at a meeting with Russian government leaders in August, according to state-run media outlet Tass.

The book was written by Russian historians Alexander Chubaryan, Anatoly Torkunov, Vladimir Medinsky. Medinsky is an aide to Putin and the Kremlin.

Anna Wright, a researcher of Eastern Europe and Central Asia for Amnesty International, said the new textbook “conceals the truth and misrepresents the facts about serious human rights violations and crimes under international law committed by Russian forces against Ukrainians.”

“Indoctrination of children at a vulnerable stage of their development is a cynical attempt to eradicate Ukrainian culture, heritage and identity and is also a violation of the right to education,” Wright said in a statement earlier this month.

The books are part of a larger aim to instill more patriotism and militarism across Russia’s youth and schoolchildren, a focus Putin has renewed after it dwindled following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Starting this school year, a new course called “Fundamentals of Life Safety,” will teach older Russian students military drill formations, how to reload a rifle and use hand grenades.

In 2024, another block of courses called “The Fundamentals Of Safety And Defense of the Motherland” is expected to teach students more military training basics.

On the first day of the school year this month, Putin attended a classroom and spoke to 30 students, according to the U.K. Defense Ministry.

“The new curriculum serves three objectives: to indoctrinate students with the Kremlin rationale for the ‘Special Military Operation’, instill students with a martial mindset, and reduce training timelines for onwards mobilization and deployment,” the Defense Ministry assessed.

The new school curriculum also leans into a point of pride for Russia: victory in World War II over Nazi Germany. Putin has frequently called Ukraine “neo-Nazis” and has used the term and claim to justify his war.

Krasheninnikov, the Russian political analyst, said many Russians are unlikely to “believe in this ideology” about an existential fight similar to World War II.

“German armies were inside Russia,” he said. “And the Ukrainian army is in Ukraine. It’s a strange idea to be inside Ukraine and say it’s [another] World War.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin is extending his propaganda campaign about Ukraine into the country’s high schools. Russia this week released an updated textbook that supports his narrative about Ukraine, the U.S. and its western allies as he seeks to overhaul the curriculum in the coming year. Critics say the new textbook lays out a false…

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

4 weeks ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.