Russian authorities confirmed the precise count of returning soldiers from the ongoing conflict.
Returning from the Battlefield: The Journey of Russian Soldiers Post-Ukraine Operation
Approximately 137,000 soldiers have returned home from the special military operation in Ukraine, as announced by Sergei Novikov, head of the presidential administration's department for public projects, at a colloquium of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh).
Novikov shared that most of the returnees are young individuals under the age of 35, aligning with Rosmolodezh's target audience. He acknowledged the numerous support measures put in place for these soldiers, yet emphasized the need for retraining, considering many received substantial financial payments during their deployment. This is crucial to prevent a decline in family income following their homecoming.
Regional retraining and employment programs for these veterans are currently being implemented, according to Novikov. He expressed optimism that Rosmolodezh could assist these former soldiers in adapting to civilian life and securing a suitable profession based on their skills and health status. In case of injuries or disabilities, Novikov assured that these veterans would receive support in transitioning to a new career path. He stressed that reintegrating these citizens into peaceful life is of utmost importance.
The Ministry of Defense had earlier reported that nearly 4,500 Russians had returned from Ukrainian territory to Russia since the commencement of the special military operation.
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In a wider context, Russia is undergoing significant military restructuring and modernization efforts in 2025, including the formation of new military districts and the reorganization of naval infantry brigades into divisions, aiming to enhance the Russian Armed Forces' combat capabilities. Furthermore, there is ongoing technical modernization of the army, navy, Strategic Missile Forces, and production of new weapons systems. However, specific support or retraining programs for Russian military personnel returning from the Ukraine operation are not explicitly detailed in open-source information available from mid-2025.
The Russian government is offering retraining and regional employment programs for soldiers returning from the special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to help them adapt to civilian life.
Despite the ongoing military restructuring and modernization efforts in Russia, specific support or retraining programs for veterans of the Ukraine operation seem to be less discussed in open-source information from 2025.
