President Vladimir Putin Orders Russia's Leadership Succession Plan

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the next generation of Russia's political leadership must be veterans of the war in Ukraine. He outlined this perspective during a meeting with members of the State Duma on September 18, 2025, where he spoke about promoting individuals who have demonstrated loyalty and courage on the battlefield.

Analyzing Putin’s Succession Comments:

Emphasis on battlefield loyalty: Putin praised the veterans as a "new elite" who have proven their commitment to the country. He stated that individuals who were "willing to risk their health and even their lives" in service of the Motherland should be advanced to leadership positions.
Programs for integration: The Kremlin has initiated programs to transition returning soldiers into the political establishment, with the "Time of Heroes" program being a notable example. This program provides veterans with training and placement in government roles.
Symbolic move: The promotion of veterans is seen by few analysts as a strategic move to project strength and militaristic nationalism, while reinforcing the war's centrality to Russia's national identity.
Elections and appointments: These efforts have already been put into practice. In regional elections held in September 2025, 1,616 military veterans ran as candidates, and 830 of them won, most of whom were nominated by the ruling United Russia party. In November 2024, a veteran of the Ukraine war was appointed as a governor.
Concerns about reintegration: The emphasis on veterans comes amid growing concerns about the reintegration of hundreds of thousands of soldiers returning from Ukraine, many of whom are dealing with trauma. In August 2025, The Moscow Times noted the social challenges this has created, including a rise in violent crime.
Potential for dissent: Critics suggest that the promotion of veterans is a propaganda tactic to distract from domestic issues and maintain support for the war.

President Vladimir Putin Orders Russia's Leadership Succession Plan

Analyzing Putin’s Succession Comments:

Emphasis on battlefield loyalty: Putin praised the veterans as a "new elite" who have proven their commitment to the country. He stated that individuals who were "willing to risk their health and even their lives" in service of the Motherland should be advanced to leadership positions.

Programs for integration: The Kremlin has initiated programs to transition returning soldiers into the political establishment, with the "Time of Heroes" program being a notable example. This program provides veterans with training and placement in government roles.

Symbolic move: The promotion of veterans is seen by few analysts as a strategic move to project strength and militaristic nationalism, while reinforcing the war's centrality to Russia's national identity.

Potential for dissent: Critics suggest that the promotion of veterans is a propaganda tactic to distract from domestic issues and maintain support for the war.