At least it proves that Putin is no Communist.
Under Communism, miners were given special treatment, propaganda regularly elevated them to “hero” status.
“At least it proves that Putin is no Communist.”
Like most totalitarian politicians and wannabes, they are whatever they have to be to obtain power. There were plenty of Marxist/communist ideologues in the USSR, but not all who held the reigns of power were ideologues as much as opportunists.
Probably didn't improve the appalling conditions.
Pro Russian propaganda has become more sophisticated over the years while anti Russian propaganda has become cartoonish and ineffective.
Hero status is nonsense but, both here and in Russia, respect for people who do physically demanding and dangerous work would be proper.