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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.
Russian regional laws requiring employers to reserve jobs for veterans of the war in Ukraine have reached schools, universities and cultural institutions. Job adverts encourage veterans to apply as teachers and school psychologists, as well as for roles such as ballet dancer, choir soloist and museum researcher, raising questions about how the quotas are being put into practice.
The quotas, usually 1 per cent of a company’s jobs, were introduced in 2026; a law was in force in 39 regions by April, and at least 11 more have since announced quotas. Krasnodar Krai sets the highest cited requirement, at 4 per cent for employers with 100 or more staff, while Rostov, Tambov and Yakutia set 3 per cent. Government guidance bars employers from requiring injury or PTSD records from veteran applicants or recording PTSD in personnel files; the state also subsidises veteran hiring and funds retraining.
In short
- Regional veteran hiring quotas are appearing in schools and cultural institutions.
- Most quotas are 1 per cent, but Krasnodar requires 4 per cent.
- Employers are told not to request or record PTSD information.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that reserving jobs for veterans recognises their service and helps them rebuild civilian lives through stable work, retraining and social inclusion. Extending quotas to public institutions may widen access to employment, while limits on collecting medical information and state subsidies can help protect applicants and employers alike.
The case against
Critics could argue that fixed hiring quotas risk prioritising veteran status over relevant skills, especially in specialist roles such as teaching, school psychology or ballet. If institutions feel pressured to meet targets, the policy could weaken hiring standards, place unsuitable staff in roles involving children or students, and obscure whether veterans are receiving appropriate, voluntary support into work.
Explained simply
Russia’s regions have introduced rules requiring some employers to reserve a share of their jobs for veterans of the war in Ukraine. Most set the share at 1 per cent, though some require more; the rules cover public bodies and cultural organisations as well as businesses.
The policy is intended to help veterans return to civilian work, with government subsidies and retraining also available. Guidance says employers cannot demand details of an applicant’s injuries or PTSD, a condition that can follow trauma, or record PTSD in personnel files.
Schools and cultural institutions have advertised roles ranging from teaching and school psychology to ballet and museum research. The range of jobs has raised questions about how employers are applying the quotas and matching veterans with particular roles.
Europe Russia-Ukraine War World