2023-09-15 11:23:16
For a long time, Putin was able to blind the population with the narrative of a strong Russia. After a few defeats in the Ukraine war, this facade is crumbling.
Moscow – For a long time, Vladimir Putin was able to give his compatriots the impression that everything was fine. At least on the surface, there was little criticism of the Ukraine war. The Russians seemed to believe the narrative of fascism in Ukraine and liberation through Russia and stood behind their leader. Although there was great suffering among the population and many soldiers did not return home, war seemed to be the right thing to do. At least no one spoke out publicly once morest him.
Meanwhile, Putin’s carefully constructed image and with it his credibility are crumbling. The duration of the war, the enlistment of more and more soldiers and, last but not least, the attempted coup by the Wagner Group have left their mark. Although Ukraine’s counteroffensive has not been a resounding success so far, the war appears to be moving further and further into Russian-occupied territory. The Kremlin had barely begun to cope with the loss of the Ukrainian gas and oil production platforms at Boyko when the next blow followed: a missile attack on the S. Ordzhonikidze ship repair yard in Crimea, in which a submarine and a Black Sea Fleet landing ship were seriously injured were damaged.
Population in Russia is increasingly dissatisfied – but the narrative of fascist Ukraine still holds
Many Russians are now beginning to question whether business in the country is really going on as usual, as the Ukrainian newspaper says Kyiv Post writes. In a comment on Russian news articles, one person asked how long they would continue to ignore “these big things.” The answer: “Until the end. Only no one knows whose end [das Russlands oder das der Ukraine] “will be bigger,” clearly shows the emerging dissatisfaction.
Vladimir Putin is falling short of his own promises. (archive photo)
© IMAGO/The Kremlin Moscow
However, the narrative of fascism in Ukraine seems to have had its effect so far. When one person asked whether, given the 24 deaths in the attack on the shipyard, it wasn’t time to “end this special operation,” she said Kyiv Post rejected. The counter question was whether the person believed that the terrorist attacks would then stop. That was denied; following all, Ukraine was full of “zombified fascists” who needed to be wiped out.
“Business as usual” despite the Ukraine war? Skepticism in Russia is growing
Although this narrative seems to have become deeply entrenched, it cannot suppress the emerging skepticism. In addition, fear of the consequences of the war is growing in Russia. Although the kamikaze drones that Ukraine has been sending towards Moscow for some time have not caused much damage so far, they are making people uneasy. The Russians are also concerned regarding the technical superiority of Western weapon systems. “And if they get those F-16s or 17s, what’s going to happen? It will be a great shame,” one person said.
Ukraine war now extends to Moscow: photos show the damage caused by drone attacks
Early on Tuesday morning, the Russian capital reported various drone attacks. © IMAGO/Vitaly Smolnikov/TassRussia’s Defense Ministry blamed Ukraine for this and speaks of “terror”. The leadership in Kiev rejects the accusations. © IMAGO/Vitaly Smolnikov/TassEmergency service workers in front of an apartment block following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia. © IMAGO/Aleksey Nikolskyi/SNA “This morning the Kiev regime carried out an act of terror using unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the city of Moscow,” the Russian military said. © IMAGO/Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu praised the country’s own anti-aircraft defenses. A total of eight drones were destroyed. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu praised the country’s own anti-aircraft defense system. A total of eight drones were destroyed. © Tass/IMAGO/Vitaly SmolnikovAfter the drone attacks, security forces cordoned off the area.After the drone attacks, security forces cordoned off the area. © IMAGO/Denis Bocharov On social networks, however, many suspect that in reality many more of the small devices – which look something like mini airplanes – were flying towards Moscow. On social networks, however, many suspect that in reality many more of the small devices – which look something like mini airplanes – were flying towards Moscow. © IMAGO/Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua Attacks have been increasing in Russia for weeks – but mostly in the immediate border region with Ukraine and not on civilian objects. Attacks have been increasing in Russia for weeks – but mostly in the immediate border region with Ukraine and not on civilian objects. © IMAGO/Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/XinhuaIt was not the first time since the war began more than 15 months ago that drones flew into the capital.But it was not the first time since the war began more than 15 months ago that Drones flew into the capital. © IMAGO/Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/XinhuaJust at the beginning of May, two missiles were intercepted directly over the Kremlin. This produced spectacular images. It was only at the beginning of May that two missiles were intercepted directly over the Kremlin. This produced spectacular images. © IMAGO / Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr / own building, but the official residence of President Vladimir Putin – and he was not at home at the time. © IMAGO/Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/XinhuaNow there is great uncertainty in the giant metropolis with more than 13 million inhabitants. The social networks are overflowing. But now there is great uncertainty in the huge metropolis with more than 13 million inhabitants. Social networks are overflowing. © IMAGO/Vitaly Smolnikov/Tasse
At times the mood turns into cynicism, the newspaper said. When asked whether the “special military operation” in Ukraine was directed once morest the people or the regime, it was written: “No difference. People want more spectacle because bread is getting more expensive every day and the spectacle is still free.” After an attack earlier this week, one post summed up the feeling: “Something is wrong in our kingdom.”
“We are waiting for active measures following these terrorist attacks” – the Russian population is becoming restless
The Russian population is increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin and the country’s leadership. Statements like “When will Moscow respond to these attacks?” Will everyone slow down?” or “We are waiting for active measures following these terrorist attacks” clearly show how aware people are that their government is falling short of its promises. The hope of victory still remains. “When will Russia take over the entire [ukrainische] “Destruct the government and its visitors, including Blinken and so on,” one user asked.
Not anytime soon, it seems, because while the Russians continue to wait for a response from the Kremlin, Ukraine has already hinted at further attacks. The residents of the Crimean peninsula would have to prepare for further surprises, according to the announcement from Kiev. (tpn)
Category list image: © IMAGO/The Kremlin Moscow
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