Russia is requiring employers to hire soldiers who fought in Ukraine. Meduza found they’re being recruited as kindergarten teachers, school psychologists, and even ballet dancers.

In a recent development, Russian regions have passed laws obliging companies to hire veterans of the war against Ukraine, according to Meduza's investigation. These new regulations have led to educational and cultural institutions across the country seeking war veterans for a variety of roles.

Educational institutions are particularly interested in veterans, with kindergarten teachers, school psychologists, and university instructors among the sought-after positions. Meanwhile, cultural organizations like ballet companies and choirs are also reaching out to veterans, with openings at theaters in Sterlitamak, the Vologda philharmonic, and the Veliky Ustyug Museum-Reserve.

The state-level requirement for employers to set aside a certain percentage of jobs for war veterans, typically around 1%, was introduced in 2026. As of April, this law was in effect in 39 regions, including occupied Crimea and Sevastopol. Since then, additional regions, including occupied territories, have adopted their own quotas.

Companies in Krasnodar Krai are required to hire the highest percentage of veterans, with businesses of 100 or more employees needing to reserve at least 4% of positions for "participants in the special military operation."

In Rostov and Tambov regions, the quota stands at 3%. Russian authorities have a history of focusing on integrating military personnel into civilian life, offering employers protection from firing veterans while on active duty and subsidizing hiring through state procurement portals. These tenders provide opportunities for former service members and their families in various fields, such as social media specialists, online marketplace employees, manicurists, and hairdressers.

The Meduza report, written by a journalist and translated using an AI model adhering to strict editorial standards, highlights the Russian government's efforts to aid war veterans in finding suitable employment and integrating them into society.