Governor hires frontline fighters as part of militarisation of regional government

The warriors have been selected as part of the region's so-called 'hero of the North' programme. 

They are to participate in a management reserve training programme for civil service. According to governor Chibis, almost 400 men applied to participate. 

Similar programmes are now unfolding across the whole country. They are part of the Kremlin's bid to militarise the Russian government sector.

Many of them have fought on the frontline and been involved in serious war crimes.

"We selected the best — those who have proven their professionalism on the battlefield and are now ready to serve our country in civilian life," governor Chibis said in a welcome address to the participants. "You are the true elite of our country," he emphasised.

"I am confident that, together with you, our Arctic region and our country will see new and important changes," he added.

The former warriors are to undergo an educational programme and internships in various government agencies.

The first man to be included in the programme was Roman Oleshkin, a former deputy commander of the 200th Motorised Rifle Brigade.

The trainees are now visible across the region taking part in public events and visiting schools and state institutions.

Artyem Dvoynev reportedly used to work as a driver in Murmansk before he went to war. He was awarded a medal for his so-called bravery and now accompanies governor Chibis at a number of events, including a recent visit to the Pechenga area.

Yegor Shubin was part of a drone operating unit on occupied territory. As part of his trainee service, he now visits local schools to teach drone flying to teenagers.

Vladislav Volokh signed a contract with the armed forces following his conscript service in the Northern Fleet and fought in occupied part of the Kherson region. He recently visited school classes in Severomorsk, the Northern Fleet's headquarter city. Despite his serious injuries, he reportedly continues to serve on a contract with the armed forces. 

Along with Andrei Fedoseev, who previously was a sailor onboard the destroyer Admiral Chabanenko, Volokh is a trainee in the Severomorsk city administration.

Damir Sirayev was this week seen visiting the Kola Nuclear Power Plant together with Yevgeny Nikora, the deputy speaker of the Murmansk regional Duma.

Sergei Gundarev is a chief of staff and deputy commander of a unit under Rosgvardia, the Russian national guard. In a propagandistic news report, Gundarev proudly says that his three sons all want to follow in his footsteps and become military men. 

Many of the so-called heroes are promoted by Russian propaganda media. "He went to war because he considered it his duty to serve the sacred motherland," a TV report says about Andrei Fedoseev.

Meanwhile, nothing is said about the huge losses on the battlefield. Several hundred thousand Russians are reported killed. The Barents Observer has the names of more than 600 from the Kola Peninsula that are confirmed killed.