From battlefield to buckets of carrots. The reality of Russia's 'reward' for war veterans

How does Vladimir Putin value the life of an ordinary Russian soldier? Well, it appears to be negligible. This isn't a recent revelation — the Russian Federation has continually demonstrated how little it values the people it forcibly conscripts into military service, subsequently dispatching them to the battlefield where severe injury or even death is not uncommon.

There have been instances of soldiers buried in junkyards, severely injured without adequate support and care, or survivors of war horrors receiving no recognition, not even the salary they were entitled to. "Mother Russia" seems to rely on its people, but only while they serve her interests.

To date, 354,960 soldiers from Russia have lost their lives on the battlefield, and twice this number have been injured.

The veteran from Volgograd was fortunate enough to survive and return home. After weeks of service marked by bloodshed and severe injuries, the time for recognition by the authorities would seemingly arrive. Regrettably, he did not receive the 3 million rubles (about $40,853) compensation that could have assisted in treating his wounds.

Instead, he received a letter of commendation and, curiously, two buckets of carrots and a bag of onions. This is how Russian authorities acknowledged his service and thanked him for participating in a "special military operation." Not long ago, Vladimir Putin promised cars, washing machines, and refrigerators to the families of the slain and severely injured soldiers. Local authorities enticed them with promises of money and glory.

Ultimately, it was revealed that they could not afford such expenditures. Carrots and onions, meanwhile, are readily available and always will be.

The soldier is left to savor his vegetables, which, at the very least, are healthy and vitamin-rich.