The reality turned out to be different: how the Kremlin “changed” its promises to “veterans of the SVO” about deputy mandates

In Russia, the authorities have revised plans for the participation of war veterans in the 2026 State Duma elections. The expected number of such candidates has been reduced, and the priority has shifted to loyalty and manageability.

This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

Previously, the United Russia party, formally headed by Dmitry Medvedev, considered the possibility of providing up to 100–150 mandates for participants in the so-called “SVO”, which amounted to about a quarter of the 450 seats in parliament.

After Vladimir Putin’s statements in 2024, where the war participants were called the “real elite”, they were actively promoted to elected positions at various levels.

At the same time, the results of the electoral processes turned out to be limited. In particular, during the primaries for the Moscow City Duma in 2024, all 15 declared veteran candidates were defeated.

Some candidates who received mandates were elected to municipal bodies, rather than to higher levels of government. It is also noted that in some regions, candidates with political or business experience were nominated under the guise of veterans.

In preparation for the 2026 elections, the approach has changed. Regions are no longer required to nominate veteran candidates.

“The priority is not a heroic background, but complete loyalty and controllability,” the material says.

It is expected that the number of mandates for this category of candidates could be 70–80, but even such figures are questioned.

The material also notes that war participants are treated as “disposable deputies” who are involved in limited numbers.

After returning from the front, some of these individuals face difficulties in social adaptation and limited employment opportunities.

By the way, Ukrainian military intelligence managed to obtain documents regarding the Russian side’s assessment of losses on the battlefield.

Recall that the heavy losses of Russian military personnel on the battlefield are forcing the Kremlin to actively enlist the help of foreign mercenaries from a number of countries.

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