Putin: Veterans who should rule Russia in the future not “eccentrics”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russia’s future ruling class should consist of army veterans, not “eccentrics” who “show their asses”.
His comments appeared to be a veiled attack on a party held by celebrities in Moscow last month, sparking violent popular reactions and the anger of many Russian politicians.
In a government meeting broadcast on television, Putin said that earlier today he met students who stopped their studies in order to fight in Ukraine.
He added, “These are the people who should constitute the country’s elite in the future, not those who expose their genitals or show their buttocks”.
The Russian President continued, “Well, we also need… eccentrics… They are also allowed to be among us,” he continued, “but the real elite in the country must be formed from these people,” referring to the warriors.
The Kremlin has strengthened conservative rhetoric since Russian forces invaded Ukraine, portraying the conflict as a battle against the West and its values.
Last month, several celebrities and prominent Russian figures attended a party at the Motapor nightclub in Moscow to which he was invited under the name almost naked.
This event contradicts the family image that Moscow is trying to portray, prompting conservative politicians to call for investigations.
