Kremlin reportedly instructs regional officials to prep Ukraine war veterans for government roles

The Putin administration has instructed regional deputy governors to create programs similar to the federal “Time of Heroes” initiative — a Kremlin project aimed at preparing war veterans for government roles — or to provide them with positions in government, Vedomosti reported, citing two sources close to the administration.

According to Vedomosti’s sources, the Kremlin considers it essential to integrate war participants into both government and business and present them as examples of successful reintegration. Since the federal program cannot accommodate everyone, “regional projects must be developed simultaneously,” one source explained.

The federal “Time of Heroes” program was announced by Vladimir Putin during his address to Russia’s Federal Assembly on February 29, 2024. In his speech, he described “workers and warriors who have proven their loyalty to Russia” as the “true elite.” The program aims to transform war participants into “highly qualified, competent leaders” for roles in government agencies and state companies. The first cohort of 83 individuals began training in May, while the selection process for the second cohort started in November.