United Russia faces outrage over Women’s Day gifts to bereaved mothers

Russia‘s ruling party, United Russia, has come under intense criticism after gifting meat grinders to mothers of soldiers killed in the war with Ukraine. The party’s branch in the northern Murmansk region shared images on social media of smiling officials presenting the gifts—alongside flowers—during Women’s Day celebrations.

While the party framed the gesture as an act of gratitude, thanking the mothers for their “strength of spirit and the love you put into bringing up your sons,” the move has been widely condemned as insensitive and inappropriate. Critics accused the party of lacking empathy, with many calling the choice of gifts “shameful.”

Backlash Over ‘Inappropriate’ Gifts

Public outrage erupted after the photos surfaced, with social media users and commentators condemning the gifts as a tone-deaf response to families who have lost loved ones in the conflict. Many saw the inclusion of meat grinders as an especially poor choice, given the brutal realities of war and the heavy casualties suffered by Russian forces in Ukraine.

As the criticism mounted, United Russia’s local branch in Polyarniye Zori attempted to justify the decision, dismissing the backlash as “provocative interpretations” meant to stir controversy. Party representatives insisted the gesture was not meant to offend, but rather to provide practical gifts requested by the recipients.

Mayor Defends Meat Grinder Gift Amid Criticism

Murmansk region Mayor Maxim Chengayev, who was present at the gift distribution, also sought to downplay the controversy. He stated that the meat grinders were not originally part of the planned gifts but were included after one woman specifically requested one.

“We, of course, could not say no,” Chengayev explained, in an effort to justify the distribution of the controversial gift.

To support its defense, United Russia later released a video of a soldier’s mother expressing gratitude for receiving a meat grinder, claiming she had wanted to purchase one herself.

“I wanted to buy [the meat grinder] for myself, but you gifted me one just in time,” she was quoted as saying by The Moscow Times, adding, “I asked you for it, in principle.”

Public Relations Misstep or Deliberate Insensitivity?

Despite the party’s attempts to justify the gesture, the backlash highlights broader tensions surrounding the war and the government’s treatment of fallen soldiers’ families. Critics argue that the move reflects a disconnect between officials and the reality of the grief these families endure.

While Russian authorities continue to push their narrative of strength and patriotism, incidents like this underscore growing discontent and skepticism over how the state acknowledges sacrifices made in the ongoing conflict.

As opposition voices amplify their criticism, the controversy surrounding the meat grinder gift is likely to linger, further fueling debate over the government’s handling of wartime losses and its relationship with the public.