Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, made headlines on May 9, 2025, by stating that the beloved "Harry Potter" series and similar works by foreign authors have no relevance to the lives of Russian children. This assertion was made during a meeting with writers, poets, and war correspondents discussing literature amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to RIA Novosti, Medvedev expressed concern over the impact of foreign literature on young minds, questioning how to "tear away" children from the allure of J.K. Rowling's work. He acknowledged that while Rowling might be a talented author, her stories do not connect with the realities faced by Russian youth. "Productions of the Harry Potter type have no relation to our [Russian] life and future," Medvedev stated emphatically.
The Deputy Chairman highlighted a broader issue regarding children's literature in Russia, criticizing the current system as being disconnected from the nation's cultural and historical context. He remarked, "Entertainment is always more interesting than something serious," implying that children are more drawn to captivating tales than to literature that reflects their own experiences and challenges.
Medvedev's comments come at a time when Russian authorities are reportedly planning to remove the "Harry Potter" series from school curriculums. Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, these books were part of the sixth-grade literature program. However, reports from the Ministry of Education in Tatarstan indicate that for the 2024-2025 academic year, these works will be excluded from educational materials.
This decision is part of a broader trend observed in Russia and Belarus, where authorities are increasingly scrutinizing educational content. In Belarus, for instance, the historical novel "Kalasі pad syarpom tvaim" by Vladimir Korotkevich was removed from the school program due to its perceived lack of alignment with patriotic values. This move was initiated by Vadim Gigin, the director of the National Library of Belarus, who emphasized the need for literature to serve as a tool for citizen education.
Medvedev's remarks have sparked discussions among educators and cultural commentators about the role of literature in shaping national identity. He urged that instead of foreign works, children should be encouraged to read books that reflect the ongoing events in Ukraine, suggesting that literature should serve a more direct purpose in educating young citizens about their country's situation.
Furthermore, Medvedev called for a reevaluation of which cultural figures are given platforms in Russia, advocating against providing venues for those who have returned to the country after expressing "unpatriotic, anti-Russian positions" abroad. This stance aligns with the current political climate in Russia, where cultural and educational institutions are increasingly being aligned with state narratives.
The push to redefine children's literature in Russia is not an isolated phenomenon. Similar movements have been observed in other countries where governments seek to control educational content to align with nationalistic ideologies. In both Russia and Belarus, the removal of certain books from school programs reflects a desire to cultivate a specific cultural narrative among the youth.
As debates continue over the relevance of foreign literature in Russian education, Medvedev's comments highlight a significant cultural shift. While he acknowledges the talent of authors like Rowling, his insistence on the disconnect between their works and Russian life raises questions about the future of children's literature in the country.
In conclusion, the discussions surrounding Medvedev's statements and the potential removal of the "Harry Potter" series from school curriculums underscore a broader cultural and political struggle in Russia. As the nation grapples with its identity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the role of literature in shaping young minds remains a contentious issue.
