Russia’s governing United Russia party is in the hot seat after giving meat grinder to the families of soldiers who died in the war in Ukraine. The gesture, meant as a gesture of gratitude, has been roundly condemned as insensitive and inappropriate, resulting in a major public relations backlash.
United Russia Party Takes Heat Over Gift
During International Women’s Day, party authorities in northern Murmansk handed out meat grinders and bouquets to the widowed mothers of dead soldiers. Social media photos of the gesture were accompanied by messages expressing thanks to the mothers for their “strength of spirit and the love you put into bringing up your sons.”
However, the act quickly drew outrage, with critics labeling it as tone-deaf and “shameful.” Social media users condemned the party for choosing an item that symbolically reinforces the brutal loss of life in war.
Officials Defend Decision, Call Criticism ‘Provocative’
After the public outcry, United Russia officials from Polyarniye Zori justified their actions, labeling the criticism as “provocative interpretations.” AFP reported that Mayor Maxim Chengayev explained that the meat grinder was not initially planned to be part of the gift package. It was added only after one of the mothers requested it specifically.
“We, of course, could not say no,” Chengayev said.
In a further explanation of the decision, party authorities made public a video of the beneficiary, the mother of a soldier, fumbling to thank them for the gift. On camera, she had assured she had specifically asked for a meat grinder, affirming, “I wanted to buy [the meat grinder] for myself, but you gifted me one just in time.”
The disputed donation also gained backing from Defenders of the Fatherland, an organization that promotes war. The organization supported the move, claiming, “Our duty and responsibility is to surround the mothers of the Heroes of the Fatherland with attention and support, not in words, but in deeds.”
“We strive to be close to these strong women, share their experiences and provide assistance in difficult times,” the organization added.
Escalating War and Trump’s Response
The row continues as Russia pursues its military attack on Ukraine, with Western assistance to Kyiv being thwarted. In the meantime, ex-U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned of possible sanctions on Russia in the event a peace agreement is not achieved.
On Truth Social, Trump posted, “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”
“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late.”