March 8, 2025 | Moscow, Russia
On International Women’s Day, Russia honored the mothers and widows of soldiers fighting in Ukraine with flowers, gifts, and tributes, reinforcing the state’s portrayal of women as supporters of war efforts.
In Chelyabinsk, a news broadcast highlighted the story of Tatiana Sokolova, whose son was killed in combat. “She will never hear him call her ‘mom’ again,” the segment began, as part of a broader campaign to celebrate military families.
The United Russia Women’s Movement, affiliated with the ruling party, launched the “Flowers for the Mothers of Heroes” initiative, delivering gifts to soldiers’ families across 40 regions. Senator Daria Lantratova praised the sacrifices of military mothers, emphasizing their role in raising “heroes of the special operation.”
However, some tributes sparked controversy. In Murmansk, local United Russia officials gifted mothers of fallen soldiers meat grinders a symbol of Russia’s high-casualty tactics in Ukraine. The move was widely criticized, though one recipient defended it, claiming she had requested the appliance.
In Cheboksary, Chuvashia, officials held a special event for widows and grieving mothers, presenting them with bouquets and gift bags labeled “Happiness and Joy.” Local deputy Yevgeny Kadyshev declared, “May grief soon turn into pride!”
Historically, Women’s Day in Russia celebrated gender equality and contributions to society. But since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, state narratives have shifted to glorify women’s roles as soldiers’ wives and mothers. Gender researcher Sasha Talaver noted that the war has reshaped the image of the ideal Russian woman into one who supports the nation’s military efforts. Keep Reading Questiqa.com for more news.
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