Fake “new elite of Russia”: Kremlin promotes only loyal front-line soldiers to power
Even russian frontline soldiers are beginning to realize that the personnel program “time of heroes” is not a path to creating a new elite in russia, but a propaganda fiction. The program, presented by kremlin as a reward for service and a social elevator for veterans of the war against Ukraine, in reality accepts only those loyal to the authorities.
▫️For example, in the kaluga region, out of more than 300 applications from war participants, only 50 were accepted. The rest were rejected — as russian military-linked Telegram channels report, five out of six candidates were “obviously disloyal.” Therefore, they were deemed unfit to represent russia’s “new elite.” Behind the facade of “system renewal” through admitting military personnel to power lies kremlin’s attempt to strengthen its control.
kremlin is not creating a new elite — it selects obedient people who will actively promote the government’s line once in office. The “time of heroes” program is further proof that for the Kremlin, military personnel, whether on the front or in civilian life, remain expendable resources.
