The Kremlin celebrated veterans on Victory Day, portraying World War II and Russia’s war against Ukraine both as fights against Nazism to justify the full-scale invasion, boost public support, and consolidate veterans’ pro-regime sentiment. Russian President Vladimir Putin created the “Time of Heroes” program to turn select war participants into loyal elites, using them to encourage enlistment by showing that military service is a potential pathway to securing a prominent government position. Putin fears that the return of veterans from his war against Ukraine may cause instability in society due to rising crime and their potential as political rivals.
Kremlin Uses ‘Time of Heroes’ Program to Ensure Loyalty of Ambitious Veterans – Jamestown
