Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia's next generation of political leaders should be made up of veterans of the war in Ukraine. At a meeting with representatives of various groups in the State Duma, he stressed the need to promote to leadership positions those who fought on the front, describing them as "fearless in serving the homeland."
"We must search, find and nominate people who were willing to risk their lives for the country. They will be our successors," Putin said, according to the state news agency TASS.
His comments come at a time when Putin's regime is deepening its nationalist narrative and tightening its political control. As Newsweek notes, there is little room for opposition or dissent in Russia, with the ruling United Russia party dominating political and public life.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, launched on February 24, 2022, has mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops, including released prisoners, to fight on the front lines. However, official casualty figures remain unclear, while international reports speak of hundreds of thousands of soldiers killed.
Surviving veterans face deep trauma and severe challenges reintegrating into society. This has led to new social consequences in Russia, including an increase in violence and serious crime.
According to Kremlinologist Mark Galeotti, who has analyzed the issue for the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, over 1.5 million Russian men and women have participated in the war since the beginning of 2025.
The support of veterans as future leaders suggests not only a continuation of the militarization of Russian politics, but also preparation for a possible transition after Putin, in an atmosphere resembling a new Cold War between Moscow and the West.
