The organization described the election results as a massive vote of confidence from society in the participants of the special operation. “At the initiative of our President, Vladimir Putin, veterans who distinguished themselves in the Air Defense Forces actively integrated into all aspects of civilian life immediately after returning from the combat zone,” the statement noted.

Elections for the State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament) constitute a federal campaign in which the entire country makes decisions. At this level, the veteran community has received a tremendous vote of confidence, stated Dmitry Afanasyev, co-chair of the Coordinating Council of the Air Defense Forces Veterans Association.

“Our task is to live up to that trust: to serve the country and the people, to carry out the orders we receive, and to help our comrades,” declared Afanasyev, who ran as a United Russia candidate and is vying for a seat.

The other winning candidates also expressed their commitment to working for the good of the country. Vitaly Drozdov, the association’s co-chair in the Ivanovo region, highlighted that his victory reflects support for the President’s policies.

“Long before the elections, Putin urged us—veterans of the Air Defense Forces—to participate more actively in the country’s social and political life. We have answered that call. This election victory is our first step.” “I will do my utmost to live up to this great trust!” declared Drozdov.

Meanwhile, the head of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug branch, Dmitry Aksyonov, and Hero of Russia Eduard Kalmykov pledged to defend the citizens’ interests. They plan to heed the voters’ instructions and demonstrate the reliability of the home front for those on the front lines.

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