A RUSSIAN marine accused by Ukraine of war crimes is set to become one of the key figures of Vladimir Putin’s election campaign this year.
Vladislav Golovin, a former officer in Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, is being touted as a leading United Russia candidate ahead of September’s parliamentary elections.
The 28-year-old is expected to be one of five figures headlining United Russia’s federal list, according to Russian outlet RBC.
The list is set to include heavyweight Kremlin loyalist Dmitry Medvedev and long-time foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.
It also includes an ex-Russian President and Prime Minister.
His appointment would inject a youthful energy into Russia’s aging leadership.
At the moment, the vast majority are in their seventies – like the Kremlin boss himself – and his hands are just as bloody.
Golovin reportedly took part in the devastating siege of Mariupol in 2022, one of the bloodiest episodes of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In Ukraine, he has been branded a “war criminal,” accused of involvement in the killing of civilians and the illegal deportation of children to Russia.
Back home, he has been hailed as a “hero of Russia” after being awarded the country’s highest honour.
The ex-marine served with the 810th Separate Guards Marine Brigade during the assault on Mariupol.
Ukrainian intelligence have accused him of organising the sinister transfer and “re-education” of children removed from occupied territory.
Putin himself is facing war crimes charges in the International Criminal Court for the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
The Myrotvorets database – which tracks individuals accused of crimes against Ukraine – has linked Golovin to civilian killings during the Mariupol siege.
However, Putin ignored these accusations to personally award the young man with the country’s highest honour in October 2022.
The award recipient later appeared seated next to Putin at the Victory Day parade in the Red Square in May 2024.
Golovin’s rapid ascent through the ranks of the Russian army saw him appointed chief of staff of Yunarmia.
This is a Kremlin-backed military youth movement with 1.8 million members that critics have sinisterly called the Putin Youth.
RBC reports that Golovin is now being tested by Kremlin strategists as one of United Russia’s leading candidates – potentially indicating the party’s plan to make the war in Ukraine a key issue at upcoming elections.
Political analyst Abbas Gallyamov said the line-up reflects the dominance of hardlines inside the Kremlin.
“Four out of five candidates represent the hawkish, militarist bloc,” Gallyamov said.
“It might have made sense in 2022 – but in 2026 the country is tired of war.
“People want the economy fixed, not more shouting and shooting.”
Political consultant, Yevgeny Minchenko, said the list suggests the Kremlin is planning for the war to continue beyond the upcoming elections.
Born in Kirov in 1997, Golovin trained as an elite officer at the Ryazan Airborne Command School.
He lost part of his foot to a mine explosion in Ukraine, leading to his portrayal as a “sacrificial hero”.
However, any role Golovin plays in a future government is still subject to Putin’s personal approval.
