Russian initiatives aimed at integrating veterans of the Ukraine war into government positions intentionally select low-profile candidates to mitigate the risk of potential challengers to President Vladimir Putin, as reported by the exiled news organization Vyorstka on Wednesday, citing informed sources.
Several government-funded initiatives are designed to promote the hundreds of thousands of veterans from the Ukraine conflict, whom Putin has referred to as Russia’s “new elite,” into official roles.
According to sources speaking to Vyorstka, the Kremlin favors veterans who are described as “average and lacking ambition,” thereby lowering the likelihood that their wartime experiences could translate into political leverage against Putin’s administration.
“We assess their political aspirations and commitment to loyalty,” an individual involved with the Time of Heroes initiative, which prepares veterans for public service, shared with Vyorstka. “It’s essential that they don’t have a criminal past or troublesome tendencies to avoid any claims that we’re endorsing unsuitable candidates. Overall, they’re composed Russian men.”
However, veterans frequently struggle with the skills and etiquette needed for bureaucratic positions and may engage in alcohol-related incidents or altercations, according to Vyorstka.
“Vasya from the trenches is completely lost. For him, politics is merely a means to escape returning to that hell. He doesn’t grasp laws, regulations, or the media’s role,” explained a Time of Heroes staff member.
One participant in the Time of Heroes program reportedly confused the roles of deputies, governors, and the president during a public event and then exited through a backstage exit, as recalled by one of Vyorstka’s sources.
To avert issues if participants overstep boundaries, become intoxicated, or find themselves in confrontations, veterans are often paired with mentors, Vyorstka noted.
“These individuals were in the trenches just yesterday, and now they’re being told, ‘You’re a politician now’,” remarked a political consultant associated with the Leaders of Russia program.
Participants in these programs receive training on professional conduct and public image, as well as preparation in public speaking, to improve their communication with civilians in political contexts.
During a presentation session, one participant reportedly shared his front-line accomplishments and recounted the names of fallen comrades, providing graphic descriptions of their deaths.
“It’s crucial for participants to understand that speaking in a harsh military tone may come across as aggressive in civilian settings,” a Time of Heroes staff member remarked.
