Russian President Vladimir Putin has reshuffled the political landscape in a move that highlights the Kremlin’s efforts to cultivate a new generation of “patriotic” leaders. In a recent appointment, Putin tapped Yevgeny Pervyshov, a former Ukraine war veteran, as the governor of the Tambov region. This marks a significant milestone as Pervyshov becomes the highest-ranking figure in Russia’s government to have participated in the invasion of Ukraine.
This strategic appointment is part of a broader effort by the Kremlin to reshape the Russian elite by promoting military figures who have fought on the front lines, casting the war as a route to power, prestige, and political influence. Let’s dive deeper into how Putin’s Time of Heroes program is changing the political fabric of Russia.
The Rise of Russia’s “Patriotic Elite”
In an orchestrated reshuffle of regional leadership on Monday, Putin appointed interim governors in key areas of Russia. These included the Rostov region, which borders Ukraine and serves as the operational hub for Russia’s military activities in the war, and the Tambov region, an agricultural heartland in the south.
Putin’s choice for Tambov, Yevgeny Pervyshov, stands out not just because of his political background but due to his military service in the Ukraine war. A former mayor of a southern Russian city, Pervyshov enlisted in the Russian military in 2022, immediately after the invasion of Ukraine began. His transition from mayor to soldier, and now to governor, encapsulates Putin’s vision for a “new elite” born out of the war effort.
Why Does This Matter?
Pervyshov’s appointment signals a shift in how Russia is positioning itself on the global stage. The Kremlin is casting the war as an opportunity to rid Russia of the old oligarchic elite and replace them with new leaders who have earned their status through patriotism and military service. This strategy not only promotes a sense of national pride but also serves to boost the morale of those at home and encourage enlistments.
- Military service as a path to power: By offering positions of power and prestige to veterans, the Kremlin makes military service a more attractive prospect for Russian men.
- A new form of elitism: This reshuffling of power structures indicates a shift away from the traditional oligarchic class and towards a more militarised, loyalist leadership.
In short, the Time of Heroes program is both a propaganda tool and a way to create a loyal, nationalistic elite within the Russian government.
The Time of Heroes Program: What It Is and How It Works
Putin’s “Time of Heroes” initiative is designed to integrate war veterans into Russia’s political apparatus, tapping into their newfound influence and promoting them to key government positions. The program is presented as a meritocratic effort, where soldiers are rewarded for their service and sacrifices with positions of power in both the public and private sectors.
Key Features of the Time of Heroes Program:
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Military Experience as a Political Asset: Soldiers, especially those with combat experience in Ukraine, are seen as ideal candidates to step into administrative and managerial roles. Pervyshov’s move from soldier to governor exemplifies this.
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Education and Training: Program participants receive political training, internships, and leadership development. Pervyshov, for instance, interned in the Moscow mayor’s office and in the Sakhalin regional government, which equipped him with the skills needed to govern.
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Path to Political Influence: The program offers military veterans a way to enter the political sphere, effectively blurring the lines between military service and government positions.
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High Standards for Entry: While the program promotes military figures, not just any soldier can join. The requirements for participation are high, including higher education and management experience.
By intertwining military service with government service, the Kremlin aims to foster loyalty among soldiers while creating a new class of politicians loyal to Putin’s agenda.
The Appeal of This New Elite
For many Russian men, the promise of political influence and a prestigious civilian job after serving in the military provides a compelling reason to enlist. With limited options for upward mobility in Russia’s stagnating economy, military service now holds the potential for a brighter future. The Kremlin’s message is clear: serve the state, and the state will reward you with power and prestige.
The Reality Behind the Curtain: Criticism of the Time of Heroes Program
Despite the propaganda surrounding this initiative, critics argue that the Time of Heroes program is more about optics than real change. Many observers believe that it is little more than a public relations stunt designed to bolster support for the war while creating a facade of meritocracy within the Russian government.
Key Criticisms of the Program:
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Limited Political Power for Veterans: Critics claim that while veterans like Pervyshov are appointed to high-profile positions, they often lack the real political power to enact meaningful change. In essence, they are figureheads rather than true decision-makers.
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Exclusivity: Most of the veterans being promoted within the Time of Heroes program are part of Russia’s elite, with access to privileges that regular soldiers do not have. For instance, Pervyshov’s service in BARS Kaskad, a reserve unit made up of high-ranking military figures who typically avoid the front lines, has raised questions about whether these appointments are truly meritocratic.
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A Front for Oligarchic Continuity: Some argue that the program is simply a way to refresh Russia’s elite while maintaining the existing oligarchic structure. The program allows the nomenklatura clans to insert new figures into positions of power, but the underlying system remains the same.
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Propaganda over Substance: Some analysts suggest that the Time of Heroes initiative is primarily a propaganda tool to convince the public that military service is both prestigious and beneficial. The Kremlin wants people to believe that serving in the military can lead to career advancement, but for most soldiers, this opportunity is out of reach.
Conclusion: A New Era or Old Tactics?
Putin’s decision to appoint a Ukraine war veteran like Yevgeny Pervyshov as governor is a bold move, but it also raises important questions about the true goals of the Time of Heroes program. While it may appeal to nationalistic sentiments and inspire some to join the military, it also risks reinforcing the same oligarchic power structures that have long characterised Russia’s political system.
Whether this reshuffling will create a genuine new elite or simply serve as another facade remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the Kremlin is determined to shape a future where military service is not just about defending the nation, but about building a new class of leaders who are loyal to the state and the president.
