Putin’s officials launch ‘Tinder’ for war veterans: “When a man has a good woman, everything works out”

But for soldiers returning from war, often scarred or missing limbs, the superficial world of online romance can feel like another battlefield entirely.

Now, in Russia, officials say they’ve found a solution: a state-backed dating app designed to help wounded veterans find love, and, perhaps, a form of healing.

Soldiers in need of “rehabilitation”

At a forum in the Urals, Yulia Belekhova, head of the Committee on Families of Soldiers of the Fatherland, said Russia’s returning troops need more than therapy, they need family.

“After all, who is the first psychologist for someone returning from the front? His wife and his family,” she said.

“When a man has a good woman by his side, everything works out: rehabilitation, reintegration, finding a job.”

Her comments reflect growing anxiety in Moscow about how to reintegrate battle-hardened and traumatized soldiers into civilian life.

Digital matchmaking with a mission

The proposed app, already dubbed “Orthodox Tinder” in local media, aims to connect young people active in church programs and patriotic events.

It’s part of a push to promote what officials describe as “traditional Russian values.”

The project was first announced in July by Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children.

Supporters claim the app could help veterans rebuild their lives through family and faith. No official launch date has been set.

Kremlin’s social concerns

Analysts believe the Kremlin is worried about potential unrest as hundreds of thousands of soldiers return home from Ukraine, many struggling with psychological trauma.

Promoting marriage and family stability is being framed as a path to social order, and as a way to reaffirm national unity.

The plan fits neatly into the government’s ongoing campaign to strengthen conservative ideals while deflecting attention from the long human toll of the war.

Putin’s personal narrative

President Vladimir Putin has also hinted at the importance of family values in recent appearances.

During a televised Q&A, he spoke warmly about watching fairy tales with “my little ones”, a phrase translated by RT as “my junior family members.”

Though he has never confirmed his relationship with former gymnast Alina Kabaeva, Russian media have long speculated about their children.

Putin is also known to have two adult daughters from his previous marriage: Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova.

Sources: Daily Star, BBC, AP, Reuters

This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation