In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, local officials from Russia’s ruling United Russia party gifted meat grinders to the mothers of soldiers killed in the war with Ukraine. The gesture, part of a campaign marking International Women’s Day, was intended to honor the “strength of spirit and the love” these mothers showed in raising their sons. However, it has been met with outrage on social media, with many labeling it “shameful” and “inappropriate.”
Meat grinders: The controversial gift
The United Russia party in the northern Murmansk region posted photos on social media showing officials presenting flowers and meat grinders to bereaved mothers.
The party’s social media post thanked the mothers for their “strength of spirit and the love you put into bringing up your sons.” However, the inclusion of meat grinders in the gifts has become a grim symbol of Russia’s high-casualty military tactics in Ukraine, particularly evoking memories of the “Bakhmut Meat Grinder” medals awarded by the Wagner mercenary group to its fighters.
Reaction and defense
Following the backlash, the party’s local branch in Polyarnye Zori defended the decision, claiming that critics were making “provocative interpretations” of the gift. Mayor Maxim Chengayev explained that the meat grinders were not part of the standard gift package but were included after one woman specifically requested it. “We, of course, could not say no,” he said. The party later released a video featuring one of the mothers thanking them for the gift, stating, “I wanted to buy [the meat grinder] for myself, but you gifted me one just in time. I asked you for it, in principle”.
Ongoing criticism
Despite these explanations, the controversy has not subsided. Activists like Violetta Grudina have expressed disbelief that grieving mothers would request such a gift, especially given the symbolic connection to the war’s heavy casualties. The party’s decision to disable comments on their social media post after criticism further fueled the backlash.
Context of the war
Russia has been tight-lipped about its losses in the Ukraine war, and the true toll remains unknown. This lack of transparency has only added to the public’s skepticism about the government’s handling of the conflict and its treatment of bereaved families. The controversy over the meat grinders has highlighted the sensitivity and complexity of addressing the needs and sentiments of those affected by the war.