Yes,of course!

not critical thinking or economics

Primary and secondary school in Russia is free. However, parents usually donate money and pay for textbooks. Of the Russians that move on to college, about half will pay for the education while the other half receives it for free. Those who received good grades and scores will not have to pay for college.

Of course, there are private schools in Russia, in which education is not free.

Catherine the Great

She promoted education.