This is one of the new faces of the Kremlin leader's propaganda. Vladimir Putin keeps repeating that “hero” of are “special operation” in Ukraine will be rewarded. Televisions and social networks serving the authorities have, for this reason, made much of Maria Kostiuk. By presidential decision, this mother of a soldier killed on the front was named regional governor on November 5. An express promotion, symbol of the opportunities that the military offensive must offer.
“All those serving Russia, workers and warriors”will form a new and “true elite”had promised, on February 29, Vladimir Putin in his speech to the nation to better castigate the elites of the 1990s who, during the chaotic decade of exit from communism, “filled their pockets through all kinds of processes in the economy”.
Less than nine months later, the president was all smiles to, in front of the cameras and under the gilt of his office, welcome Maria Kostiouk, 47, now at the head of Birobidjan, in the Far East, on the Chinese border.
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“This is both unexpected and a great responsibility. I will do everything possible to justify your trust, to be worthy of the memory of my son. He faithfully served his country.”a promis Mme Kostiuk to the president. Who played his role as a protective father. “I want to thank you for raising a true Russian warrior, because Andrei died while fulfilling his military duty”he replied. Images of this unprecedented promotion have since circulated widely on public television and on social networks orchestrated by the Kremlin.
The message is clear: while posters mobilizing volunteers are omnipresent in the streets across Russia, the aim is to show potential recruits that they are also working for the good of their families. In addition to the incredible financial bonuses, the authorities promise numerous advantages, from direct entry to university for children to professional training for the wife. A real social elevator. With the example of Maria Kostiouk, this must also become a political elevator.
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The image is beautiful but the reality is more nuanced, revealing the fractures within society. This model mother had in fact been evolving for years already in the system loyal to the Kremlin. A graduate in “state and municipal management” from the regional academy of economics and law, senior local civil servant, former deputy mayor of the city of Birobidjan, Maria Kostiouk had until then occupied multiple positions within the administration of his region. She had notably been vice-president of local government and then deputy chief of staff to the governor. More importantly, his career evolved through his growing involvement in patriotic and youth organizations orchestrated by United Russia, the Kremlin party.
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