Russia has reported a mass emergence of pseudo-heroes in the Special Military Operation
Russia is seeing an increase in cases of so-called “disguised heroes of the special military operation” who pose as participants in the war against Ukraine using fake medals. These individuals collect money, speak at schools in front of children, and attempt to secure leniency in court. The ministry stated that the situation is spiraling out of control.
This is reported by Russian propaganda media.
During a special session, Russian Public Chamber member Katerina Kolotovkina stated that foundations, NGOs, and private individuals are mass-producing their own medals and orders, which are virtually indistinguishable from genuine state awards.
Copies of military decorations are also freely sold on marketplaces, and it is often impossible to verify the authenticity of “veteran” status. She emphasized: “The situation has already become uncontrollable.”
Kolotovkina recounted seeing three men in camouflage with a large number of awards, including insignia resembling the “Star of the Hero of Russia.” It later turned out that they were involved in transporting humanitarian aid and had received the awards from civil society organizations. After publishing photos of these men, she began receiving threats.
Pro-Kremlin propagandist Anastasia Kashevarova confirmed that the problem is widespread: fraudsters, posing as “heroes of the special military operation,” gain people’s trust and swindle them out of money.
Rustem Klupov also stated that such individuals often speak at schools and spread false information. One case involved 25-year-old Yegor Budanov, who conducted “lessons in courage” at educational institutions. Other war veterans noted that pseudo-veterans have even begun appearing in the State Duma and taking photos with deputies.
A former fighter with the Wagner Group stated that even law enforcement agencies sometimes cannot verify the status of such individuals due to the confidentiality of award records. According to him, this allows fraudsters to avoid punishment or receive leniency in court.
Kashevarova warned that after the war ends, the problem may only worsen, while the Public Chamber proposed increasing fines for wearing counterfeit awards and creating a registry of honors for civil society organizations.
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