Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territories is usually described in the language of war: front lines, trenches, drones, artillery. But another battle unfolds inside institutions and especially schools. Whoever controls the curriculum, the symbols on the walls, and history lessons controls the official version of reality.
Aleksander Palikot is a journalist at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Based in Kyiv, he covers the impact of war on society, culture, and politics in Eastern Europe, with a focus on themes such as civil rights, diversity and inclusion, and social issues. His work has been featured in The Kyiv Independent and LRT, among other outlets.



