 "Vladimir Putin’s party faces flak for gifting meat grinders to mothers of dead soldiers")
Russia’s ruling party is facing flak for a major symbolic as well as PR disaster: Gifting meat grinders to families of soldiers killed in the Ukraine war.
Officials from President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party posted photos on social media this week, showing families from the northern Murmansk region, including bereaved mothers, receiving flowers and meat grinders on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
The officials in their message thanked the “mums” for their “strength of spirit and the love you put into bringing up your sons.”
However, the act was immediately criticised by users on social media, with some saying the gesture was “shameful” and “inappropriate”.
Officials defend decision
Following the massive backlash, the officials of the United Russia party from the town of Polyarniye Zori defended their decision and accused critics of making “provocative interpretations” of the gift, reported news agency AFP.
Mayor Maxim Chengayev clarified that the meat grinder was gifted to the families after one mother specifically asked for it, and the item was not originally intended to be included as a gift.
“We, of course, could not say no,” AFP quoted Chengayev as saying.
The party officials later shared a video featuring one of the soldiers’ mothers, who awkwardly expressed gratitude for the gifts. She also confirmed that she had specifically requested a meat grinder because she needed one.
“I wanted to buy [the meat grinder] for myself, but you gifted me one just in time,” the woman said while looking at the camera.
“I asked you for it, in principle.”
A pro-war organisation called Defenders of the Fatherland also supported the move to gift meat grinders. In a statement, it said, “Our duty and responsibility is to surround the mothers of the Heroes of the Fatherland with attention and support, not in words, but in deeds.”
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View All“We strive to be close to these strong women, share their experiences and provide assistance in difficult times.”
This comes after Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine after the US also suspended aid to the country.
Trump recently announced he would face sanctions on Russia if a peace deal is not reached with Ukraine.
Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”
“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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