The Kremlin is creating an illusion that Russian men who fight in Ukraine will have greater career prospects, including potential future government roles, in an effort to address a shortage of military volunteers and appease criticism from Ukraine war veterans. President Vladimir Putin has proclaimed that Ukraine war veterans will become the “new elite” of society, and the Kremlin is utilizing programs like Time of Heroes to enhance this image through propaganda. By portraying service in the army as attractive and offering opportunities for advancement, the authorities aim to attract more potential recruits.
Reports indicate that several Ukraine war veterans are currently interning in the presidential administration as part of the Time of Heroes professional training program. While specific details about these veterans are limited, it is clear that the Kremlin is utilizing this program to elevate their status and integrate them into positions of influence. However, the actual number of trainees who participated in the invasion of Ukraine and were placed in internships remains undisclosed. The program participants can be categorized into two groups: those who were officials before the war and sought to advance their careers, and war veterans with no prior public office experience.
The Kremlin’s efforts to reward those involved in the military operation and integrate them into positions of power are seen as a common practice. While the internship scheme may appear to be a genuine effort to incorporate veterans into government ranks, it is believed to serve broader propaganda and bureaucratic goals. Analysts suggest that the true intention behind the program is to bolster the image of the Kremlin and further its agenda, rather than significantly impact the composition of the government elite. Influential officials and businessmen in Russia have long-established ties with Putin, and any reshuffling of positions typically involves individuals closely associated with the president.
Despite the push to integrate Ukraine war veterans into government roles, it is acknowledged that the seats of power in Russia are already occupied by a select group of individuals with strong ties to Putin. The internship scheme may serve as a symbolic gesture and a means of reinforcing the narrative that the heroes of the military operation are the new elite. This narrative is essential for propaganda purposes and to attract new contractors for future military endeavors. While a few hundred war veterans may have the opportunity to become regional or local officials, this remains a small percentage of those who have participated in the conflict in Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine has provided contract soldiers with unprecedented opportunities for socioeconomic advancement, offering higher salaries, state benefits, and priority admission to universities for themselves and their families. The shift in approach towards rewarding and honoring military personnel marks a departure from the earlier years of Putin’s rule. While the Kremlin’s efforts to integrate Ukraine war veterans into government roles may have broader implications, the true impact of these initiatives remains to be seen. The Kremlin’s focus on portraying military service as prestigious and offering opportunities for advancement reflects a broader strategy to address the challenges facing the Russian military and society at large.
