Die or join the elite. Why Putin's Victory Day cult is failing Russia's war veterans
Russia’s state-sponsored promotion of Ukraine war veterans as a 'new elite' has failed, as many struggle with unemployment and social stigma, while the Kremlin selectively elevates only a small group for propaganda purposes. Analysts argue the government treats most soldiers as expendable, with economic incentives—like death benefits for families—driving recruitment rather than ideological loyalty.
Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9 highlight the Kremlin’s attempt to create a cult around its war veterans, mirroring its WWII narrative. Under President Vladimir Putin, the state has weaponized Soviet-era heroism to justify aggression, framing Ukraine as a 'Nazi' enemy. Now, it seeks to replicate this with veterans of the Ukraine war, labeling them a 'new elite' in state media, but the effort is faltering. Only a select few veterans are granted public roles, while others face marginalization. Official data shows that by mid-2025, just 57% of the roughly 137,000 returned soldiers had found employment. Many veterans are viewed with suspicion, accused of profiting from war or acting with impunity, with around 8,000 convictions linked to them since 2022. The state’s approach to veterans reflects a two-pronged strategy: eliminating those deemed unnecessary and co-opting a small group for propaganda. Political analyst Ivan Preobrazhensky notes most soldiers fight for financial gain, often recruited from economically desperate backgrounds or with criminal records. Families even exploit death benefits, with 'black widows' entering sham marriages to claim compensation for fallen soldiers. This system treats soldiers as expendable, rationalizing losses through financial incentives. The Kremlin’s selective promotion of veterans as heroes contrasts sharply with the reality of their struggles, exposing the hollow nature of its wartime rhetoric. Despite state efforts, the majority remain excluded from real political influence, seen as either a liability or unfit for the system.
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