For the kremlin, the PR Surrounding “victory mania” Is More Important than the Veterans Themselves

Amid russia’s grandiose preparations for May 9, endless bombastic speeches about an “unforgettable feat” and claims of preserving the memory for future generations, the reality is far more prosaic. This year, federal payments to direct participants in World War II in russia will amount to a symbolic 10,000 rubles. Considering that there are about 7,000 people left alive across russia who fall into this category, “state honor” will cost the budget a modest 70 million rubles. For comparison: this amount is barely enough for a single premium-segment flat in moscow.

The kremlin has traditionally delegated potential additional payments to the regions, which are expected to contribute additional funds, provided they have the resources. The assistance to veterans is effectively equivalent to the cost of a single X-22 cruise missile or “Iskander”, with which the aggressor attacks Ukraine almost daily.

Organizing the annual parade on red square costs russians an estimated 400–600 million rubles in a typical year, and up to 1.5 billion in an anniversary year. Add to that tens of millions for regional celebrations – and it becomes clear: for moscow, the PR surrounding the victory is dozens of times more expensive than the fates of the victors themselves.

For modern russia, veterans are nothing more than a convenient prop. According to putin’s vision, the rf, acting alone and without the participation of other former soviet republics, repelled the invaders’ onslaught in 1941 and defeated Nazism. But the kremlin’s desire to monopolize the right to victory does not reflect a genuine concern for those who fought in the war. By comparison, in Kazakhstan, veterans will receive up to 1 million rubles for Victory Day, in Uzbekistan – 800,000–900,000 rubles, in Kyrgyzstan – over 200,000 rubles, in Belarus – approximately 136,000 rubles, in Tajikistan – approximately 60,000 rubles, and in Azerbaijan – 21,000 rubles, respectively.