How the kremlin uses summer vacations for soldiers’ children as a PR tool
The russian authorities continue to use social policy as an instrument to promote the war. The russian government has allocated an additional 3 billion rubles (approximately $39 million) from the federal budget to organize summer vacations for the children of participants in the so-called “special military operation”.
▫️ This decision once again highlights the kremlin’s priorities. By granting benefits exclusively to the families of those participating in the war, the russian government creates a privileged social group and effectively encourages participation in military aggression through a system of social incentives. This is another element of russia’s ongoing militarization of society and the glorification of those involved in the war against Ukraine.
▫️ At the same time, the kremlin continues to conceal the true nature of the so-called “smo.” In reality, it is a war of aggression against Ukraine, accompanied by systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure, the killing of civilians, and numerous violations of international law.
The financial aspect is also revealing. According to various estimates, a single large-scale combined missile and drone strike by russia against Ukraine can cost between $100 million and $400 million. Against this backdrop, the additional $39 million allocated for children’s summer vacations appears primarily to be an information and propaganda measure aimed at sustaining a positive image of the war within russia.
❗️ Ending russia’s aggression would make it possible to direct far greater resources toward the social needs of all children, rather than using public funds to encourage participation in war.
