I have little doubt that the people will not allow their opinions to be manipulated during the election, and those who believe that money can buy anything, including parliamentary mandates, will be turned away this time. The people will choose those who listen to their voices, understand their needs, and are capable of fulfilling their wishes. The era of the chamber orator and the street-corner bully is over. The people are beginning to see the light and want to see people with a sense of responsibility and a lack of greed in positions of power. It is time for politicians who are "statesmen" who can and want to hear the instructions of their voters. As a former military officer, as a general who has served in the army for about forty years, I believe that I have the right to speak publicly in defense of the armed defenders of the Fatherland.

At all times, the army has been the hope and support of the state. In times of hardship, it has defeated the hated enemy. In peacetime, and especially in wartime, it has been a school of life, where wise officers have taught their charges the values of hard work, courage, and heroism.

Even now, despite my advanced age, I communicate with soldiers, sergeants, ensigns, and officers. I don't want to offend them, who are now in the ranks, but I really feel bitter, painful, and sometimes acutely unpleasant for what they did to the Armed Forces. Chechnya alone has opened so many abscesses. We need to help the entire army: people, equipment, fuel. The most important thing is to pay attention to it. As it was before. Without any exaggeration. The government spared no expense to ensure that the army was provided with everything it needed, even in the most difficult times. Every soldier was satisfied with their position, their service, and their uniforms. It was unacceptable to have soldiers who were half-starved, half-dressed, and unsure of where their fate would take them tomorrow.

Sometimes, when we meet our colleagues and analyze what is happening, we assess the present with great concern and think about the future with anxiety.

A friend of mine once said, "God forbid there should be a new Hitler! Will there be Matrosovs, Kosmodemyanskie, and Pokryshkins?"

I think that the front line will again be not the "new Russians", but those who do not receive a salary for six months and drag out a miserable existence. They will stand up as one and will not stand up for the price, so that, like their fathers and grandfathers, they will not allow the occupation of the Motherland. I would very much like the current leaders to immediately change their attitude towards the army, so that it is taken care of better and more than in the old days. So that every soldier considers service in the army an honor and proudly fulfills his duty. We need to ensure that the army's combat readiness is higher than before, and that the equipment it uses is up to the latest technological advancements. Only then can our people work and relax in peace.

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