The Russian parliamentary elections, which begin on Friday, are particularly influenced by the presence of candidates who have participated in the war in Ukraine. Nearly 200 candidates who have served in this war are introduced in these elections as part of the "real elite" of Russia and have appeared in promotional videos and television debates.
Kremlin's Efforts to Showcase Public Support
Election officials have announced that these candidates are part of the Kremlin's efforts to demonstrate widespread support for the war in Ukraine and to create legitimacy for its actions. This election is the first voting after the onset of the war in Ukraine and is being held in areas of Ukraine that Russia has occupied and illegally annexed.
Many analysts believe that these candidates are unlikely to hold any real power among the ruling class of the country, and these efforts are seen more as a way to attract new volunteers for military service. Independent Russian media regularly report on the return of soldiers who have participated in violence and crimes.
Key Candidates and Their Programs
One prominent candidate, Vladislav Golovin, 29, from the United Russia party, participated in the battle for the port city of Mariupol in Ukraine and has lost part of his leg. He has attended events with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and is recognized as a hero of Russia, the country's highest honor.
Golovin has participated in Putin's "Time of Heroes" program, which prepares soldiers for government jobs, and is now the head of a patriotic youth organization called "Young Army." At the same time, he is on the Western sanctions list.
The United Russia party has several other candidates with a background in the war in Ukraine. Another prominent candidate is Yevgeny Pododny, a war correspondent and media activist who was injured by an attack from a Ukrainian drone.
Analysts believe that by promoting these candidates in the Duma elections, the Kremlin aims to show potential soldiers that they are fighting for a greater cause and that good job opportunities await them in the future.
Despite this, many experts believe that Russia does not know what to do with the returning soldiers from the battlefield and consequently offers positions of little importance with little real power.
Overall, given the Kremlin's efforts to showcase these candidates as heroes defending the country, it is clear that this election is being used as a tool to strengthen the regime's legitimacy and attract new forces for military service.
