Kathrine Frich
A school in southern Russia has sparked outrage after photographs revealed separate cafeteria tables for children from low-income families and those whose parents fought in Ukraine.
The incident, reported by Novaya Gazeta and confirmed by local officials, has drawn sharp criticism across the country.
Divided lunch tables
Images posted on social media show signs on school tables reading “For those with low incomes” and “For SVO,” referring to Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.
The photos were taken at School No. 11 in the city of Azov, Rostov region.
The story first came to light after Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the League for Safer Internet, shared the images online.
She described the practice as “blatant discrimination” and warned that it could lead to bullying and humiliation among students.
“It is not difficult to imagine how uncomfortable the children feel and how many cases of harassment this can create,” Mizulina wrote on her Telegram channel.
Officials respond
Rostov region governor Yuri Sliusar confirmed the authenticity of the footage and said the school’s principal had been officially reprimanded.
He added that authorities were reviewing the school’s contract with its catering provider.
“Such labeling not only humiliates children’s dignity but also provokes harassment in the school environment, which is absolutely unacceptable,” the governor said in a statement.
Local media outlet Govorit NeMoskva reported that a graduate from the school identified the location as Azov’s School No. 11. The principal has not commented publicly.
Unequal meals
Journalists found that the differences extended beyond table signs. Children from low-income families were reportedly served a simple breakfast of wheat porridge, bread and tea.
In contrast, the children of soldiers who served in Ukraine, as well as those from large families, received more substantial meals including soup, pilaf, chicken and meatballs.
Social media users in the neighbouring Stavropol region have since claimed that similar disparities exist in their schools.
The reports have fuelled a broader debate over inequality in Russian educational institutions and the government’s treatment of families affected by the war.
You can watch the tiktok video here.
Sources: Novaya Gazeta, Govorit NeMoskva, Rador Radio Romania, Reuters
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
