On Valentine's Day in Russian-occupied Luhansk, members of the Communist Party and Komsomol distributed special cards called 'Stalintines,' adorned with images of Soviet dictators Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin. This event, which has been a tradition for the past decade, reflects an effort to promote Soviet nostalgia among local residents. The Russian Communist Party described the cards as a means to honor their historical leaders and to encourage the observance of what they termed "Soviet Orthodox holidays."

The initiative included the participation of individuals dressed in traditional Soviet military attire and the iconic red symbols of the communist movement. Video footage of the event showcased this display, along with the festive gathering aimed at reinforcing communist ideology in the region. The distribution of these cards represents not only a cultural statement but also serves as a method to rally support for Soviet ideals in a conflict zone.

The act of handing out 'Stalintines' underscores the ongoing influence of Soviet heritage in occupied territories like Luhansk, and it signifies the Russian Communist Party's strategic use of cultural events to promote its agenda amidst the political turmoil. The event indicates that despite the ongoing conflict, there is a sustained effort to invoke Soviet nostalgia and unite those in the region under a shared historical narrative, complicating the local social dynamics amidst the broader geopolitical crisis.