“You know that the word “elite” has largely discredited itself by those who, having no merit to society, consider themselves some kind of caste with special rights and privileges, especially I mean those who in previous years lined their pockets at the expense of all sorts of processes in the economy of the 90s.
They are definitely not the elite.
The true, real elite are everyone who serves Russia: workers and warriors, reliable, proven ones who have proven their devotion to Russia,” he said.
Putin also noted that as of March 1, veterans of the Northern Military District, as well as soldiers and officers who fight in active units, will be able to apply to participate in the first training stream of the “Time of Heroes” personnel program.
Earlier, Putin called on all authorities to continue to support family members of SVO participants.