Moscow (AFP) - About 50 Russian military veterans who fought in the battles in Ukraine and current fighters participated on Wednesday in a session of the Russian House of Representatives (Duma), of which they now constitute nearly a tenth of its members as the invasion continues for a fifth year.
Published on: 09/30/2026 - 15:24
Since Russia began its attack on Ukraine in 2022, its economy and society have witnessed widespread militarization. The current Duma has become the largest house of representatives in Russia's modern history with seats occupied by the army, noting that some of the new representatives are wanted in Kiev on charges of committing war crimes.
In a speech delivered by President Vladimir Putin during the first session of the Duma, he believed that this group within the council emerging from elections held under tight supervision includes “people who have proven their unconditional loyalty to the homeland on the battlefield.”
He added, "I am confident that, by adhering to the traditions of the front's brotherhood, they will work to strengthen" the Russian Parliament.
The Russian Electoral Commission reported last week that 46 participants in the attack on Ukraine and its Russian veterans were elected representatives. Most of these veterans represent Putin's United Russia party.
These had different roles in the war, including officer Nursultan Musagaliyev, whom Ukraine accuses of participating in atrocities committed in the Bucha suburb near Kiev in 2022.
The Kremlin, which denies Ukraine's accusations, awarded this 29-year-old officer the "Hero of Russia" medal, and he participated in meetings with Putin.
Among the new deputies are also the commander of the Russian "Youth Army" Vyacheslav Golovin, who fought in Ukrainian Mariupol, and former naval vice admiral Vladimir Kasatonov.
Representative-elect Andrei Kozlov, who belongs to veterans, said in a statement to Russian media in response to a question about what this group will add to the Duma, “The most important thing is faith in our Supreme Leader (Putin).”
He added, "We are with him and will remain so until the end, until victory is achieved."
The pro-Kremlin Vyacheslav Volodin was re-elected to the position of Speaker of the Duma, which he has held since 2016.
He said in the session, "The West (...) is doing everything in its power to obstruct the development of our country (...) and we cannot lose the country as happened in 1917 (the Russian Revolution) and 1991 (the fall of the Soviet Union)."
© 2026 AFP
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