May 3— In anticipation of the Victory Day parades on May 9, and in line with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s directives on education, the Russian government hosted a three-day conference, "Knowledge First," from April 28-30. The event focused on World War II history, its connection to Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine, and the advancement of Russian science both then and now.
The main conference took place in Moscow, with satellite events in cities including Kazan, Vladikavkaz, Omsk, Perm, Sevastopol, Ryazan, Salekhard, St. Petersburg, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. In Moscow, the marathon was held at the Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Hill, drawing 10,000 students in person and attracting 10 million online viewers. The event featured lectures on wartime history and industrial production, with speakers engaging directly with student questions.
Day 1: Prime Minister Mishustin Sets the Tone
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin opened the marathon with a lecture titled "The Economy of Victory: The Industrial Breakthrough of the U.S.S.R. (1941-1945) and Modern Russia’s Achievements." He emphasized the connection between Russia’s wartime resilience and its contemporary technological advancements, highlighting national projects, technological sovereignty, and the vital role of engineering education and skilled labor in shaping Russia’s future.
Mishustin traced the origins of Russia's nuclear development to the creation of Laboratory #2 in 1943 under Igor Kurchatov, which initiated work on atomic weaponry in response to Western advancements. He credited this research for laying the foundation of Russian nuclear energy, culminating in the first nuclear reactor in 1954.
Interacting directly with students, Mishustin posed questions, engaging promising minds like Platon Zakharov, whose insights impressed the Prime Minister enough to encourage him to elaborate on advanced technologies. Other key speakers included Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who discussed negotiation strategies and his experiences with American counterparts.
Day 2: Medvedev’s Address and Foreign Guests
The second day began with Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, warning that Europe had never undergone full denazification after World War II, allowing many fascist leaders to evade justice. He called for a new world order rooted in equality and justice.
A highlight of the day was the participation of American filmmaker Oliver Stone and former CIA analyst Ray McGovern. Stone, known for his televised interview with Putin, voiced his growing disillusionment with Western media, denouncing what he described as widespread propaganda. He claimed that under former U.S. President Joe Biden, the world has moved dangerously close to World War III, placing some blame on Biden’s predecessor, Barack Obama. Expressing optimism, he suggested that leaders of Russia and the U.S. could still reach peace.
McGovern, reflecting on his six-decade study of U.S.-Russia relations, acknowledged the 27 million Soviet lives lost in WWII and recited Nikolai Nekrasov’s wartime poem to an emotional standing ovation. He emphasized the potential for stable relations between Russia and the U.S., lamenting media portrayals that cast Russia and President Putin in an adversarial light. "People like me, Oliver Stone, and many others are working to tell the truth and influence perceptions," he stated.
Day 3: Putin’s Presence
On the final day, President Vladimir Putin addressed the forum, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping Russia’s future. He underscored Russia’s scientific and technological achievements, stressing that the country must maintain its independence in innovation.
Putin drew historical parallels between World War II and modern geopolitical challenges, urging students to study history critically and recognize the lessons of past conflicts. He noted that Russia’s wartime resilience had paved the way for its current technological advancements, reinforcing the theme set by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the first day.
Meeting with Oliver Stone, Putin briefly discussed the influence of Western narratives, acknowledging that misconceptions about Russia persist. However, he expressed hope that dialogue could lead to mutual understanding and stability.
Throughout the conference, speeches from veterans of Russia’s special military operation punctuated discussions, offering their experiences and perspectives.