According to recent reports, 20 percent of the candidates running for seats in the Russian Duma, the country's lower house of parliament, are veterans of the war in Ukraine. In total, 1,586 individuals who fought in Ukraine are vying for positions in the Duma, as well as for governorships and local advisory roles. The president of the Russian Electoral Commission, an influential body overseeing elections, praised these candidates as "more than worthy," saying they represent a "renewal of the legislative body." These candidates highlight a growing trend of integrating military personnel into Russia’s political elite. Independent media outlet Meduza estimates that around 1,300 Ukrainian war veterans have already been absorbed into Russia’s power structures. Vladimir Putin has referred to those who took part in what he still calls "the special military operation" as the "new Russian elite," claiming they have "proven their loyalty to Russia through their actions." Since the war began, Putin has sought to bring soldiers to the top of the political hierarchy. This follows a long-standing pattern of consolidating power by sidelining wealthy business figures, known as oligarchs, and promoting "siloviki" — individuals from the military, security services, and police — and later, loyal technocrats with administrative skills. In 2024, Putin launched an initiative called "The Time of Heroes," a training program designed to prepare Ukrainian war veterans for leadership roles in Russia. The first class of 82 selected veterans underwent two years of training, including management courses, internships with regional governors, and meetings with Putin himself. The program is seen as a way to reinforce a patriotic narrative, with state media frequently showcasing these veterans visiting factories, military bases, and even the North Pole. Putin’s message is clear: those who fight for Russia can rise to the highest levels of the state. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country has suffered an estimated 1.4 million military and civilian losses, including those who are dead, wounded, or missing. Up to 450,000 Russian soldiers may have been killed. According to the Levada Center, a respected independent research institute, two-thirds of Russians still support the war effort, but a similar proportion now favor peace negotiations. Public opinion is shifting, with only half of Russians today believing the war is proceeding successfully — a drop of 19 percentage points from the previous year. While open opposition to the war remains low, signs of public fatigue are increasingly evident.