Arts-and-crafts workshops and a Putin rally: Russia gets ready to mark anniversary of invading Ukraine

The Putin administration has prepared a set of guidelines for commemorating the anniversary of invading Ukraine.

The mass action dubbed “The Heroes of Our Time” will take place across Russia’s regions on February 20–24, and is designed to celebrate the Russian military involved in the full-scale invasion (which Russia continues to call a “special military operation.”)

Sources in several regions have told the Russian news outlet RBC about some of the Kremlin-proposed activities as part of the celebration. Participants can line up into star shapes resembling the Hero’s Star state decoration, and record videos in front of war memorials. The guidelines also encourage creating urban murals celebrating the Russian troops and their “heroism” in Ukraine.

The instructions also list ideas for arts-and-crafts workshops: trench candle making, knitting socks and mittens for the Russian troops on the frontline, and sewing retro tobacco pouches embroidered with slogans like “Onward Towards Victory.” These handmade gifts will later be sent to the combat zone.

Other activities will include schoolchildren’s meetings with the veterans of Russia’s various wars, concerts at hospitals where injured Russian troops are being treated, and organized letter-writing with “warm and sincere wishes” for the military on the frontline.

The centerpiece of the planned commemoration will be a rally at the Moscow Luzhniky Stadium, attended by Vladimir Putin.