PUTIN'S GANG
A list of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's family members, mentors, administration-members, oligarch-associates, war-enablers, and various other sycophants.
Please note: The views on this list are solely those of Dr-Faustus (that's me) and does not necessarily represent the views of IMDb or its affiliates.
The High Price of Losing Ukraine
ISW - Institute for the Study of War: The High Price of Losing Ukraine
ISW: The High Price of Losing Ukraine: Part 2 - The Military Threat and Beyond
Ukraine Conflict Updates
ISW - Institute for the Study of War: Ukraine Conflict Updates
MFA of Ukraine: War in Ukraine: Official Website
BBC: War in Ukraine
CNN: Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Kyiv Independent - News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe
Ukrainska Pravda: Online News About Ukraine
Please note: The views on this list are solely those of Dr-Faustus (that's me) and does not necessarily represent the views of IMDb or its affiliates.
The High Price of Losing Ukraine
ISW - Institute for the Study of War: The High Price of Losing Ukraine
ISW: The High Price of Losing Ukraine: Part 2 - The Military Threat and Beyond
Ukraine Conflict Updates
ISW - Institute for the Study of War: Ukraine Conflict Updates
MFA of Ukraine: War in Ukraine: Official Website
BBC: War in Ukraine
CNN: Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Kyiv Independent - News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe
Ukrainska Pravda: Online News About Ukraine
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- Born in 7 October 1952 is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has been serving as the president of Russia since 2012, and previously between 2000 and 2008. He also served as the prime minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000, and again from 2008 to 2012.
Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel (podpolkovnik), before resigning in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. He moved to Moscow in 1996 to join the administration of president Boris Yeltsin. He briefly served as director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and secretary of the Security Council, before being appointed as prime minister in August 1999. After the resignation of Yeltsin, Putin became acting president and, less than four months later, was elected outright to his first term as president. He was reelected in 2004. As he was constitutionally limited to two consecutive terms as president at the time, Putin served as prime minister again from 2008 to 2012 under Dmitry Medvedev. He returned to the presidency in 2012 in an election marred by allegations of fraud and protests and was reelected in 2018. In April 2021, following a referendum, he signed into law constitutional amendments including one that would allow him to run for reelection twice more, potentially extending his presidency to 2036.
During his first tenure as president, the Russian economy grew on average by seven percent per year, following economic reforms and a fivefold increase in the price of oil and gas. He also led Russia during a war against Chechen separatists, reestablishing federal control of the region. As prime minister under Medvedev, he oversaw military reform and police reform, as well as Russia's victory in its war against Georgia. During his third term as president, Russia annexed Crimea and sponsored a war in eastern Ukraine with several military incursions made, resulting in international sanctions and a financial crisis in Russia. He also ordered a military intervention in Syria against rebel and jihadist groups.[16] During his fourth term as president, he presided over a military buildup on the border of Ukraine. Putin accused the Ukrainian government of committing atrocities against its Russian-speaking minority, and in February 2022, he ordered a full-scale invasion of the country, resulting in numerous atrocities and leading to widespread international condemnation, as well as expanded sanctions and calls for Putin to be pursued with war crime charges.
Under Putin's leadership, Russia has experienced democratic backsliding and a shift to authoritarianism. Putin's rule has been characterised by endemic corruption, the jailing and repression of political opponents, the intimidation and suppression of independent media in Russia, and a lack of free and fair elections. Putin's Russia has scored poorly on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index, and Freedom House's Freedom in the World index. Putin is the second-longest currently serving European president after Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus.The Godfather Himself - Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
Wikipedia: Vladimir Putin.
Vows to make Russia great again by establishing a Russian Empire after the humiliation of the fall of the Soviet Union - at the expense of sovereign nations - (See: Foundations of Geopolitics and Eurasianism).
Vows to restore Russian "pride" through, murder, extortion, blackmail, torture, coercion, assassination, and invading and killing his neighbors under false pretexts.
The Putin Complex
Suffers from small man syndrome - a term associated with Napoleon (back in the day), which is also associated to an inferiority complex attributed to people of short stature who display very aggressive behavior or domineering social behavior to compensate for the subject's physical or social shortcomings.
Putin and His Tough Guy Image
Wikipedia: Public image of Vladimir Putin.
This image has been cultivated and perfected over years and years - thanks to propaganda propagated by state media and his army of state-sponsored trolls. A façade to fool people the world over. But mainly aimed at the Russian people themselves. Note Putin's mannerisms; the phony swagger in his walk. How he keeps his cards close to his chest (like a poker player). The smirk on his face when confronted with exposure of his mis-deeds. The phony propaganda videos of Putin's macho adventures in the wild. The judo sessions where he always wins - It's all an act. Evidence of the true Mr. Putin was well on display when talking about the Ukrainian government, and more recently his tirade against the Russian people themselves. The normally cold and calculated Putin uncharacteristically exposed himself through his bizarre ramblings for all to see, showing the world that in reality he is just an angry, frustrated, and hate-filled little man with delusions of grandeur.
Hobble Creek: The Psychology of Strongmen.
Putin's List of Hobbies and Other Extramural Activities (In random order)
1. Judo.
2. Fishing.
3. Hunting.
4. Diving for pottery.
5. Riding horses, shirtless.
6. Showing off his marvelous physique(?)
7. Lying like hell, spreading disinformation, and changing narratives to create confusion for friends and foes alike.
8. Stealing loads of cash from the Russian people.
9. Russian caviar and French Champagne.
10. Fancy suits, luxury watches, yachts, villas, and Italianate palaces - (all on a meagre government salary, no less).
11. Killing his political opponents (poisoning with Novichok nerve agent a personal favorite calling-card of his) - Throwing people out of windows, shooting people in the head, and strangling people is so old-fashioned these days.
12. Undermining democracy in Europe and the United States by interfering in their elections.
13. Undermining democracy in Europe and the United States by creating division through exploitation of domestic social-issues via social media.
14. Supporting far-right parties and its leaders in Europe who support a privileged partnership with Russia and espouse anti-EU and anti-NATO sentiment, like Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orbán (who don't realize they'll be the first to hang if Putin decides to invade their country).
15. Supporting separatists' movements and their de facto leaders with promises of loads of cash (and dictator status) if they join his federation and further his Russian-Empire ambitions.
16. Threatening nations with nuclear armageddon if he doesn't get his own way on the global stage (which, in theory, means he can also use this threat for anything he wants - For example; he can threaten little Belgium to send him 50 pounds of their very yummy world famous chocolate, for free, or face nuclear annihilation if they don't abide).
17. Invading sovereign countries under false pretexts and then claiming them as his own.
18. Kissing babies on their stomachs during political campaigns (I'm not sure why he even bothers to win hearts and minds when the majority of his political opponents are either in jail, have fled the country, or lying dead in some ditch somewhere? It makes no sense to me).
Russian Fascism: The Six Principles of Putin's Nationalist Ideology
The Conversation: Russian fascism: the six principles of Putin's nationalist ideology. - Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Ocheretnaya is the former wife of Vladimir Putin, who is the current president and former prime minister of Russia. Lyudmila was born in Kaliningrad, Soviet Union, the daughter of Alexander (his patronymic is reported variously as either Abramovich or Avramovich) Shkrebnev and Yekaterina Tikhonovna Shkrebneva. Her father worked at Kaliningrad Mechanical Plant.Putin's Ex-Wife and Ex-First Lady of Russia
Keeping it in the family - She's stinking rich just like her ex-husband. What more can I say?
P.S.: It is a common practice among Russian oligarchs, and the like, to divorce as a means to distribute their wealth.
Wikipedia: Lyudmila Putina - Re-married, two daughters from Mr. Putin. - Mariya Vladimirovna Vorontsova was born on 28 April 1985 in Leningrad, RSFSR, USSR [now St. Petersburg, Russia]. She has been married to Jorrit Joost Faassen since 2013.Putin's First Daughter
Living the good life while daddy destroys the lives and livelihoods of others.
Wikipedia: Maria Vorontsova - Divorced with one son from Dutch businessman Jorrit Joost Faassen. - Katerina Tikhonova is a Russian scientist, manager, and former acrobatic dancer. She is the second daughter of Russian president Vladimir Putin. Tikhonova heads the Innopraktika company, which unites two initiatives of Moscow State University: the National Intellectual Development Foundation (NIDF) and the National Intellectual Reserve Centre (NIRC). She is also Deputy Director of the Institute for Mathematical Research of Complex Systems at Moscow State University.Putin's Second Daughter
Likewise, living the good life while daddy destroys the lives and livelihoods of others.
Wikipedia: Katerina Tikhonova - Divorced from Russian billionaire Kirill Shamalov in 2018.
Vladimir Putin has at least two daughters; Maria and Katerina: For the life of me, I just cannot comprehend how Putin can look at his daughters knowing he is directly responsible for the murder of thousands of men, women, and children. Including daughters of families just like his own. Does he not feel any remorse or guilt? Or has he simply abandoned any semblance of human decency for his personal ambitions and ego? - Alina Kabaeva was born on 12 May 1983 in Tashkent, USSR [now Uzbekistan]. She is an actress, known for Red Shadow: Akakage (2001), Chetyre Lyubovi (2004) and Sydney 2000: Games of the XXVII Olympiad (2000).Alleged Girlfriend of Vladimir Putin
Ex-gymnast and alleged girlfriend of Putin who allegedly have multiple children together.
Likewise, living the good life (Alina loves spending time in Switzerland) while her beloved sugar-daddy destroys the lives and livelihoods of others.
Wikipedia: Alina Kabaeva.
OCCRP | Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project: Putin's Alleged Girlfriend Owns Largest Flat in Russia. - Alleged Ex-Girlfriend of Vladimir Putin
Corrupt millionaire and alleged ex-girlfriend of Putin who allegedly have a daughter named Elizaveta together.
Likewise, living the good life while her beloved ex-sugar-daddy destroys the lives and livelihoods of others.
Wikipedia: Svetlana Krivonogikh. - Born in 7 October 1952 is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has been serving as the president of Russia since 2012, and previously between 2000 and 2008. He also served as the prime minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000, and again from 2008 to 2012.
Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel (podpolkovnik), before resigning in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. He moved to Moscow in 1996 to join the administration of president Boris Yeltsin. He briefly served as director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and secretary of the Security Council, before being appointed as prime minister in August 1999. After the resignation of Yeltsin, Putin became acting president and, less than four months later, was elected outright to his first term as president. He was reelected in 2004. As he was constitutionally limited to two consecutive terms as president at the time, Putin served as prime minister again from 2008 to 2012 under Dmitry Medvedev. He returned to the presidency in 2012 in an election marred by allegations of fraud and protests and was reelected in 2018. In April 2021, following a referendum, he signed into law constitutional amendments including one that would allow him to run for reelection twice more, potentially extending his presidency to 2036.
During his first tenure as president, the Russian economy grew on average by seven percent per year, following economic reforms and a fivefold increase in the price of oil and gas. He also led Russia during a war against Chechen separatists, reestablishing federal control of the region. As prime minister under Medvedev, he oversaw military reform and police reform, as well as Russia's victory in its war against Georgia. During his third term as president, Russia annexed Crimea and sponsored a war in eastern Ukraine with several military incursions made, resulting in international sanctions and a financial crisis in Russia. He also ordered a military intervention in Syria against rebel and jihadist groups.[16] During his fourth term as president, he presided over a military buildup on the border of Ukraine. Putin accused the Ukrainian government of committing atrocities against its Russian-speaking minority, and in February 2022, he ordered a full-scale invasion of the country, resulting in numerous atrocities and leading to widespread international condemnation, as well as expanded sanctions and calls for Putin to be pursued with war crime charges.
Under Putin's leadership, Russia has experienced democratic backsliding and a shift to authoritarianism. Putin's rule has been characterised by endemic corruption, the jailing and repression of political opponents, the intimidation and suppression of independent media in Russia, and a lack of free and fair elections. Putin's Russia has scored poorly on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index, and Freedom House's Freedom in the World index. Putin is the second-longest currently serving European president after Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus.The Godfather Himself - Part 2 - He keeps his friends close, but keeps his enemies even closer... by invading their countries and making it part of his Russian Empire
Wikipedia: Vladimir Putin.
Latest Putin Adventure - The Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Putin "Address Concerning the Events in Ukraine": February 21, 2022
Wikipedia: Address concerning events in Ukraine.
Putin Announces "On Conducting a Special Military Operation": February 24, 2022
Wikipedia: On conducting a special military operation.
Wikipedia: Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Legality of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russia's Attack on Ukraine, Through the Lens of History
Penn Today: Russia's attack on Ukraine, through the lens of history.
Weakness is Lethal: Why Putin Invaded Ukraine and How the War Must End
Institute for the Study of War: Weakness is Lethal: Why Putin Invaded Ukraine and How the War Must End.
Why Does Russia Want Ukraine?
University of Rochester: Why does Russia Want Ukraine?
No, the West is Not to Blame for Russia's War in Ukraine
The Conversation: No the West is not to blame for Russia's war in Ukraine. Why this myth - and others - are so difficult to dispel.
What Putin Fears Most - The "Real" Reason for the Invasion of Ukraine
Journal of Democracy: What Putin Fears Most.
For all intents and purposes Putin had already waged war against the U.S. and the West, 20 years ago, and has continued to conquer territory unhindered by any substantial counteraction. Putin's invasion of Ukraine is not an isolated incident (regardless of the multitude of phony explanations Russia has given to invade) but, simply an extension of Putin's greater master-plan to establish a Russian Empire, secure his legacy, and obstruct the democratization of Russia's neighbors for fear of that democratization spilling over into Russia itself and thereby threatening his presidency.
The Myth of Russian Aggression and NATO Expansion
The Strategy Bridge: The Myth of Russian Aggression and NATO Expansion.
Putin's Nuclear Bluff (updated and revised analysis - May 3, 2024)
Out of an abundance of caution, NATO and the United States decided to play open cards and make it abundantly clear, for weeks, they would not put boots-on-the-ground in Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion whereas Mr. Putin continued to bluff up until the day he actually invaded. A very stupid move in my opinion. NATO and the U.S. should have called Mr. Putin's bluff and counteracted by making ambiguous statements of their own, instead of revealing critical information that was undoubtedly seen as favorable to Mr. Putin's cost-benefit-risk calculus. I believe Mr. Putin capitalized on this reveal, and most likely expanded on his invasion plans, knowing full well be could do so unabated by direct military involvement from the West. Though one should always keep lines of communication open to avoid miscalculation, one should likewise never show one's hand to an opponent when it comes to strategy - Always keep them guessing.
The West and the United States have decided not to directly engage Russia for risk of escalating the Ukrainian conflict beyond its borders, and possibly starting a nuclear war. This rationale is compelling but, the truth is, regardless if NATO engages or not, or accommodates Mr. Putin to minimize the risk of a global conflict, there will always be a possibility Putin could use a nuclear weapon, either tactically or strategically as dictated by Russian military doctrine, now or in the future. However, such a scenario in relation to the present war in Ukraine, though we always have to acknowledge is possible, is highly unlikely for a number of reasons -
Firstly: Historically Russia has confronted the possibility of nuclear confrontation on numerous occasions in the past and have gained the necessary experience and knowledge to know the only likely outcome of such a confrontation is mutual destruction for all parties involved. Mr. Putin knows, intentionally starting a nuclear war will not only result in his demise but in the demise of Russia itself.
Secondly: Using tactical or strategic nuclear weapons in Ukraine will not only "force" NATO member states to actively engage in a conflict with Russia that Putin absolutely does not want but, nuclear fallout from such an attack will not only render a massive area uninhabitable for many years (and kill both Ukrainians and Russians in and around the impact area) but the dispersion of radioactive dust (over what distance and in which direction cannot be controlled), will not only inevitably affect Europe but very likely Russia as well - See; as an example, the Chernobyl disaster in reference to radioactive contamination and its effects.
Thirdly: If Mr. Putin were to use nuclear weapons, Russian partners and allies will be forced to rethink their relationship with Russia to avoid an escalating conflict that could involve them and the possibility of massive destruction that will inevitably result in social and economic collapse in their own nations. This is especially true for Russia's most important and influential partner, China, who have on multiple occasions stated 'with conviction' their disapproval of the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukrainian conflict or on the continent. And there is no way Russia wants to, or can afford to (militarily, politically, and economically) threaten their relationship with China.
Fourthly: Mr. Putin knows the planned use of nuclear weapons will not only be detrimental in regard to support of the Russian people (Russian people also fear nuclear war just like the rest us) if he were to decide to implement such a plan but, also those in his inner-circle who will be against the use of nuclear weapons knowing what the consequences will be for Russia, and those elites (who benefitted by supporting Putin) that will jump ship when Mr. Putin's popularity starts to sink among ordinary Russians as a result of Mr. Putin's actions in undermining national security and putting millions of Russian lives at risk.
Fifthly: The argument that Western nations must be very cautious in supplying Ukraine with advanced conventional weapons and try and appease Mr. Putin so as to prevent him from using his nuclear capabilities against Ukraine or on Ukraine's allies, is thin in the extreme. Western supplies of weapons, including advanced weaponry has not resulted in nuclear confrontation, and multiple Ukrainian attacks on military targets inside of Russia proper, neither.
Sixthly: The argument, for fear of pushing Mr. Putin into a corner and thus forcing him to use nuclear weapons out of desperation, is also thin in the extreme. The major flaw in this argument is "pushing Mr. Putin into a corner", as if to compare Mr. Putin's situation to Adolf Hitler sitting in his bunker in the last days of World War II, with Germany invaded by the allies and facing utter defeat, and Hitler waiting for his inevitable capture or death with the fall of Berlin. Even if Mr. Putin's military is soundly defeated in Ukraine, he is completely safe from an external military threat. NATO will not invade Russia and Ukraine neither. There is no desire, politically, ideologically, strategically, or for any other reason whatsoever for NATO to engage in an invasion of Russia. Just for the sake of argument, let's say NATO does decide to invade Russia, what do you think the Russian response will be? In all likelihood, nuclear war will follow (or at the very least massive destruction throughout Europe) because Russia will be forced to retaliate with every weapon at their disposal. And it is for that very reason "alone" NATO will not invade Russia. So, regardless how one looks at it, Mr. Putin will be safe in the Kremlin. And, when taking into account all the factors in his cost, benefit, risk calculus, the pragmatic Mr. Putin can only come to one conclusion; under the present circumstances, the use of nuclear weapons will prove far more detrimental for Russia than any conceivable benefit. Mr. Putin will never sacrifice Russia for Ukraine. Mr. Putin may be a psychopath and has displayed uncharacteristic behavior to his usual cold and calculated demeanor when announcing his so-called "special military operation" to the world and threatening the West, leading many to believe Mr. Putin has digressed into an unpredictable and dangerous madman capable of irrational actions, has proven this theory wrong and has since remained his shrewd, calculated, and rational self.
One can therefor conclude, the strategy behind Mr. Putin's ambiguous nuclear threats is not to actually use those weapons but, to intimidate and deter Europe and the U.S. from supplying weapons to Ukraine, which is a major factor preventing Mr. Putin from carrying out his imperialistic ambitions in conquering Ukraine - However, that been said, we cannot afford to take any nuclear threat lightly, be it from Mr. Putin or any other party. Even if the odds were a million to one, it would be highly irresponsible and negligent not to. Caution, diligence, and responsibility must prevail. As long as nations possess these weapons of mass destruction, there will always be the risk of miscalculation or misreading of intent. Now or in the future.
Please view this analysis dated 20 July 2022 in context of the above - The Insider: "Putin is a psychopath with sadistic traits; he is triggered by weakness".
Why Russia Went to War: A Three-Dimensional Perspective
ICDS | International Centre for Defence and Security: Why Russia Went to War: A Three-Dimensional Perspective.
_______________________________________
Disinformation in the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Disinformation in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Information War Against Ukraine
Wikipedia: Russian information war against Ukraine.
1. Claims this is "NOT AN INVASION!" but a "Special Military Operation" (if this is an operation, this must be the greatest malpractice episode in human history). P.S: The words "invasion" and "war" may as well be scrapped from the Russian dictionary because you could get 15 years in some Gulag for saying it.
2. Claims the Ukrainians are committing a genocide (how ironic) against the Russian-speaking people in eastern Ukraine, without any evidence to back this up. If this was an issue, why did Mr. Putin not call on the United Nations, or any other relevant organization, like the International Criminal Court, to investigate the supposed atrocities? Yes folks, you guessed it, it's just another drop of Kremlin B.S. in a sea of Kremlin B.S. - P.S: Russia used the exact same lie of claiming "genocide" as a pretext to launch a full-scale invasion of Georgia and referring to it as a "Peace Enforcement Operation" - (See: Information war during the Russo-Georgian War).
Update: Latest Kremlin B.S. - Press secretary for Mr. Putin, Mr. Peskov now claims Ukraine was amassing an army bordering on the Donbas (which is legally and internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory), preparing to invade the contested region. And Russia intervened to assist the separatists there. Firstly, there is simply no evidence to support this claim (as usual). And even if this was true, does Ukraine not have the right to place their army wherever they see fit within it's own borders? And if memory serves me correctly, wasn't it Russia who amassed an estimated 100,000 troops around Ukraine's borders? And if so, according to Mr. Peskov's logic, shouldn't it actually be Ukraine that should of intervened through Russia's threats of invasion? Talk about turning the tables on one's own actions.
3. Claims the Ukrainians are Russians and their nation has no right to exist. Maybe Mr. Putin should have consulted with the Ukrainian people first on this issue before he decided to murder and starve them into submission? A minority of ethnic Russians live in Ukraine but, we all know this is just another excuse to invade a sovereign country through the argument of ethnicity (See: Sudetenland - Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia and Anschluss - The Annexation of Austria) - Come to think of it, if by Mr. Putin's reasoning he claims Ukrainians are Russians, then doesn't that mean Mr. Putin is intentionally killing his own people? And to add to this; if Mr. Putin's plan was to unite Ukrainians and Russians, he has actually extinguished any possibility of doing so, by making the two nations sworn enemies - including many Ukrainian people who were previously sympathetic to Russian cultural and political inclusion.
4. Claims Ukraine is a threat to Russia, and that Russia is acting in self-defense. Strange? Ukraine has never indicated attacking Russia in word or deed. Even thinking hypothetically, does anybody really believe the Ukrainian army has the manpower, capacity, or will, to invade Russia? What the hell for? Ukrainian people have historically close ties with Russian people. They're good friends (sorry, maybe I should say they "were" good friends, before Putin and his army started to murder them). And to top it all off, Russia has a vast arsenal of nuclear weapons. And will undoubtedly use them if their glorious Mother Russia were invaded. Whereas, Ukraine destroyed all their nuclear weapons in 1994. And those weapons, by the way, belonged to the Soviet Union which were previously placed on Ukrainian territory by the Soviets themselves. P.S.: Disinformation extraordinair, Russia, previously claimed, with no evidence whatsoever, Ukraine was working on a nuclear bomb. And then, when that B.S. didn't work out for them, claimed Ukraine and the U.S. were working on biological weapons. This conspiracy theory has been debunked years ago. Come on, anybody who believes this latest onslaught of B.S. should have their head examined. Besides the fact that Putin and his propaganda machine are pathological liars, and this is simply another way to muddy the waters to justify their illegal invasion, there is absolutely no evidence to support this claim. And, anyway, if by Russia's reasoning this justifies an invasion, what about all the biological weapons labs in Russia and the actual use of those weapons manufactured in those labs used by the Russian FSB to murder dissidents in Europe? Does that not then by Russia's own reasoning justify an invasion of their own country? - To quote a real leader: "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." - Abraham Lincoln
5. Makes delusional claims he is liberating the Ukrainian people from Nazism - by invading their country and killing innocent women and children (If I'm not mistaken, isn't that what the Nazis did in good-old WWII? Or have I been misinformed all these years?). And did anybody inform Mr. Putin the vast majority of Ukrainian citizens don't want to be liberated from their peaceful and happy lives with bombs, missiles, and thermobaric weapons? They want to be independent from Mother Russia. They value their freedom above all else, and they don't want to be another corrupt, poverty-ridden, totalitarian, puppet-state.
6. Claims Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a neo-Nazi and a drug-addict. That's strange? Zelenskyy is Jewish. And wasn't it Putin's 'liberators' who bombed the sacred site of Babyn Yar in remembrance of victims of the Holocaust? And is it not due to Putin's actions that millions of people are fleeing Ukraine? Including thousands of Jewish people who are now fleeing and settling in Israel. Sound familiar, history buffs? As far as drug-addicts are concerned, if memory serves me correctly, wasn't it Russia that was caught with it's pants down when the world came to learn of the years of state-sponsored doping in sports? And as far as Putin's tough guy image is concerned, president Zelenskyy is showing tremendous courage and tenacity under unimaginable stress. Whereas tough-guy Mr. Putin is sitting at a huge desk, that looks like something out of 'Alice in Wonderland', meters away from his confidants and foreign visitors for fear of the dreaded coronavirus and assassination. If Putin really wants to show his people what a tough guy he is, he should pick up a Kalashnikov and go fight side by side with his troops. Like many members of Ukraine's government are doing against the Russian onslaught. It's a great pity the Russian people cannot see Putin for the phony that he is.
7. Spins his so-called "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine to the Russian people as some sort of mission-of-mercy 'denazification' to save the Ukrainian people and Russia itself, and makes clear allusions to the Great Patriotic War where millions of Russians died fighting the Nazi invasion of Russia. What an insult to the sacrifice all those brave Russians who died fighting to liberate their homeland made. Shame on you Mr. Putin! This is an old psychological trick to manipulate the emotions of his own people's collective trauma associated to that time during World War II and apply it to his unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. And all for his personal ambitions of empire and self-preservation. No normal person anywhere on God's good earth wants war, and this is just as true for Russians, Ukrainians, Americans, and all other nations.
8. By the way. For all those who support the war in Ukraine (Russian or other), you are obviously truly ignorant of what war really is. Either you have been brainwashed by state propaganda, have no idea what war actually entails, or you've been watching too many movies (or playing too many video-games) that glorify the supposed romanticism of war. The displaying of the symbol "Z" among the war-mongers in Russia is very reminiscent of the displaying of the swastika by those who supported the Nazis. Please guys, show some respect for your forefathers who valiantly fought the "real" Nazis - Wake up, man! - Remember, if, God-forbid, war comes to those very people that support a war far away from the comfort of their sofas, you have no right to complain when your own families are murdered and starved into submission. And lastly, all of you who are promoting the Russian military offensive in Ukraine as some sort of skewered humanitarian mission, and who state the West is using propaganda to fool people into believing the very opposite - Have the guts to hop in your car or take a bus to Ukraine and see for yourself what is really happening there. Put your money where your mouth is.
Wikipedia: War crimes in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Disinformation About the Current Russia-Ukraine Conflict - Seven Myths Debunked
Eu vs Disinformation: Disinformation About the Current Russia-Ukraine Conflict - Seven Myths Debunked.
Open Minds Institute - All Reports - Psychological Analysis and Attitudes of Russian Society - All Reports.
Dear Russian People, Please Ask Yourself Some Basic Questions:
1. Why are millions of people fleeing Ukraine if, as Mr. Putin claims, the war in Ukraine is simply a "Special Military Operation?"
2. Why are severe crack-downs taking place in Russia on peaceful protesters?
3. Why is the Russian state suppressing Russian independent media if they have nothing to hide?
4. Why are brave Russian individuals, like Marina Ovsyannikova (a state-media employee), willing to risk their personal freedom to stage a protest against the war in Ukraine on live state-owned television?
5. Why is the Russian state cutting access to foreign news organizations?
6. Why is Russia implementing social media restrictions and bans? And why are they limiting internet access?
7. Why are you so inclined to readily believe state-media, when state-media does not allow for any alternative view-points to their own?
8. Why is Mr. Putin claiming a genocide is being perpetrated by Ukrainians on Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine, when there is no evidence to support this? And why, if he truly believed this was true, didn't he ask the United Nations or the International Criminal Court to investigate the allegation? - See: Accusation in a mirror.
9. Why have laws been implemented in Russia, under threat of long jail terms, for those who use the words "War" or "Invasion"?
10. Why, if this is simply a "Special Military Operation", are thousands of your young men coming home in body-bags? Or, if you think this is not true - speak to the brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and wives, who have lost brothers, fathers, sons, and husbands in Ukraine and explain to them it's not true.
11. Why is the much decorated Russian singer Alla Pugacheva condemning the invasion of Ukraine and openly stating things like "Our boys are dying for illusory goals."?
12. Why is Mr. Putin's dear (Update: ex) friend and Wagner Group Head Yevgeny Prigozhin recruiting criminals from prisons to fight on the frontlines in Ukraine?
13. Why has the State Duma approved stricter punishments for Russians who refuse military service and for soldiers who desert or surrender during military mobilization?
14. Why on 21 September 2022 has Mr. Putin announced a so-called 'partial' mobilization inside of Russia, 'starting' with 300,000 reservists? Don't you realize Mr. Putin's decree does not specify the number of reservists that can be called up? And can you not see Mr. Putin is escalating this unjust war to involve more and more Russians to die on the frontlines in Ukraine, and is willing to sacrifice as many Russians and Ukrainians as necessary for a war solely of his making and for his own political survival?
15. Why do you think Mr. Putin, and others, are spinning the narrative that NATO and the West want to invade Russia when there is absolutely no evidence in word or deed to support this? Can't you see this is simply fear-mongering propaganda so that Mr. Putin can justify sending more and more Russians to the frontlines to die for him?
16. Why don't you believe your own relatives, and friends in Ukraine, when they tell you what is really happening over there? How can you tell them they are lying, or are (ironically) the victims of propaganda, when they are in the actual war-zone, and you are miles away from the conflict?
17. Why do you believe the supposed denazification of Ukraine when there is no 'real' evidence to support the Nazi claim?
18. Why do you believe president Zelenskyy is a neo-Nazi, or supports neo-Nazi movements, when he is actually Jewish. And did you know president Zelenskyy had family members who fought in the Red Army against the Nazis as well as family members who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust?
19. Why are Jewish people fleeing Ukraine, with thousands seeking refuge in Israel, if Mr. Putin is ridding Ukraine from the Nazis? Surely the Jewish people would welcome this, if it were true?
20. Why have the Ukrainian people not welcomed the Russian army with open arms if Russia is supposedly liberating them?
21. Why are Ukrainians protesting occupation of their country and asking the Russian army to go home?
22. Why do you believe Ukrainians are bombing their own cities? Are you aware just how ludicrous that is, even in the most basic of practical terms? By the way, press secretary Dmitriy Peskov has openly confirmed in an interview Russia is bombing Mariupol (See: Siege of Mariupol).
23. Why are you inclined to blame the United States and the West for anti-Russian sentiment in Ukraine? Don't you think anti-Russian sentiment among Ukrainians "may" actually stem from Russia's invasion of their homeland, the destruction of their infrastructure and homes, and the killing of it's citizens?
24. Why is your government constantly changing narratives when it suits them?
25. Why is most of the world protesting against Russia's actions in Ukraine?
26. Why has most of the world implemented severe sanctions against Russia, even at their own economic detriment?
27. Why are many Russian people living in other parts of the world (where freedom of speech is not suppressed) condemning the invasion of Ukraine?
28. Why are thousands of Russians leaving Russia and seeking asylum in other countries?
29. Why has Finland and Sweden decided to join NATO after years of neutrality? And don't you think maybe Mr. Putin invading Ukraine and starting a war in Europe the likes of which had not been seen since WWII had something to do with them changing their minds?
30. How can you possibly believe that the war in Ukraine is a conspiracy when the massive amount of evidence from civilian and independent sources proves the contrary?
And lastly - as mentioned previously, if you are not convinced, or are in denial of the war, please take a trip to Ukraine and see for yourself - I understand, many enlightened Russian people who are aware there is a war being waged in Ukraine and are against it, state this is Putin's war, not theirs. And prefer to remain silent for fear of reprisals. But, if you like it or not, your president represents your nation, and the great Russian people. It is therefor your patriotic duty, if you oppose this unjust war, to voice your opposition to it - Remember, it is the people themselves who make for a great nation, not a single leader as Putin would have you believe.
OMI: How Russians React To Their "Holy" War Against Ukraine?
For those Russians that support the war in Ukraine - Please don't view this war out of a misplaced, antiquated sense of nostalgia, or like some football match where you feel you should simply be supporting your team, regardless, but a real conflict where men, women, and children (just like yourself) are being murdered on a daily basis. There is absolutely no pride or patriotism in that. This is simply a case of right and wrong - Especially when it is as clear as daylight Russia is the aggressor in an unjust war initiated by your president to promote nationalism and phony patriotism in your country simply to invigorate his waning popularity and assure his presidency. I understand Russians are a proud people and many do not want to acknowledge the truth for fear of feeling ashamed but, remember, the stance you take now will define how you will be viewed throughout your nation's history. Ultimately, the shame you will be feeling will be your lack of participation in helping to end this unjust war. And also, bear in mind, Mr. Putin's call to cleanse your society of those he views as undesirables, like those Russian people that oppose the war, can just as easily happen to you under different circumstances. Do you really believe for one second Mr. Putin is acting in the best interests of the Russian people and not his own? Don't you realize he will use and abuse you, as he sees fit, just to remain in power? Even if it means turning your nation into another North-Korea, if he feels it is necessary. Is that really what you want? Come on folks, I know you have much more sense than to believe the lies you are being force-fed by your regime.
OMI: Fear Fuels Alliance: The Pro-War Russians' Beliefs.
Sadly, at the end of the day, the reality is, Putin simply will not cease bombing Ukraine nor return his troops to Russia without a glorious victory, or grand prize to sell to the Russian people. Regardless of the cost to human life - both Russian and Ukrainian. He cannot be seen as weak. His ego and the resultant political implications will be unacceptable to his rule. Putin must return like the victorious Alexander Suvorov to inspire praise, patriotism, and nationalism in his homeland. Defeating the perceived Nazi menace, and gaining prized stolen land. This will cement the well-cultivated façade of the great conquering leader. The great tactician. And this illusion will make him very popular among many in Russia (and obscene as it is, elsewhere around the world) - People, after all, love and respect a strong leader.
The Ukrainian people, on the other hand, will suffer the wrath of Putin's might, the brunt of an unjust war. The Russian military will use any means at it's disposal to achieve it's objectives. No man, woman, or child, will be immune. They will bomb indiscriminately. Hospitals, schools, kindergartens, maternity wards, residential homes, retirement homes, churches, nothing and no one will be spared from their brutality. Breaking morale and total submission is what Putin requires. This grinding strategy fits perfectly into the Russian military playbook, and is an exact repeat of how they conducted warfare in places like Chechnya and Syria. And as the mass-murder in Ukraine continues, the Kremlin and its state-owned media will predictably dismiss the atrocities as fake news and deflect attention away from the real issues with fabrications, disinformation, and counter-narratives - 100% guaranteed.
NATO, on the other hand, will not help Ukraine in a substantial militaristic way. They too fear the wrath of Putin. Regardless of the slaughter of Ukrainians and the growing refugee crisis, NATO has decided to sit on the sidelines and flex their muscles in NATO-member countries in the East, and make statements condemning Russia's actions, stating how they will defend every inch of NATO soil. How ironic, all the democratic values NATO and the European Union profess to possess are displayed by the brave Ukrainians who are neither a member of NATO nor the EU.
Update: Besides the intensifying of symbolic support, it appears "some" NATO-member countries are now seeing the gravity of the situation in Ukraine, and have begun to supply the Ukrainian military with more substantial weaponry. I hope NATO-members, and others, have come to the realization that stability in Ukraine is not only imperative to Ukraine but, the global community itself. If, as has been the case in the past, Putin achieves his goals in Ukraine, it will not only inspire Russia to continue on it's present trajectory and inspire other bad actors to follow suit if Russia is successful but, will also create political and economic instability for many years to come.
As the Russian onslaught on Ukraine continues, the Ukrainian army and many of it's other citizens are putting up fierce resistance against a better equipped and militarily-superior enemy. On paper one could conclude that Russia's superior firepower will ultimately gain the upper hand and win the day. But, making such an assessment is ultimately premature. As history has taught us over and over again, one should never underestimate the will and determination of a people fighting for their very existence, their families, and their homeland. No matter how outgunned (See: Soviet-Afghan War and Vietnam War). War is a dynamic beast that constantly evolves in unpredictable ways. In the end, regardless how this conflict ends, history will be kind to the bravery of the Ukrainians. Win or lose, they will be viewed as the heroes, and warriors, they truly are. The underdogs who stood up against the overwhelming might of the invader. Already, they are admired throughout the world. And, ironically, by Putin's actions, embattled Ukrainian president Zelenskyy, whose dwindling popularity has been revived, both domestically and internationally by his handling of Russia's invasion of his country, will go down in history as one of the great war presidents, on par with the likes of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Russia, on the other hand, will go down in history as the evil invaders who murdered men, women, and children, and will undoubtedly be compared to the Nazis. Even those Russians fallen in combat will be disgraced by most of the world for their participation in the slaughter. A stain on a nation, and its people, that can never be erased - regardless of how hard Putin's state-owned media and his sycophants try to hide the truth. Putin himself will go down in history as a war-criminal and one of the most notorious dictators of the 21st century - On par with dictators of the 20th century, like Hitler and Stalin.
Like Phil Collins said; "That's Just the Way It Is." - Born in 7 October 1952 is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has been serving as the president of Russia since 2012, and previously between 2000 and 2008. He also served as the prime minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000, and again from 2008 to 2012.
Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel (podpolkovnik), before resigning in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. He moved to Moscow in 1996 to join the administration of president Boris Yeltsin. He briefly served as director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and secretary of the Security Council, before being appointed as prime minister in August 1999. After the resignation of Yeltsin, Putin became acting president and, less than four months later, was elected outright to his first term as president. He was reelected in 2004. As he was constitutionally limited to two consecutive terms as president at the time, Putin served as prime minister again from 2008 to 2012 under Dmitry Medvedev. He returned to the presidency in 2012 in an election marred by allegations of fraud and protests and was reelected in 2018. In April 2021, following a referendum, he signed into law constitutional amendments including one that would allow him to run for reelection twice more, potentially extending his presidency to 2036.
During his first tenure as president, the Russian economy grew on average by seven percent per year, following economic reforms and a fivefold increase in the price of oil and gas. He also led Russia during a war against Chechen separatists, reestablishing federal control of the region. As prime minister under Medvedev, he oversaw military reform and police reform, as well as Russia's victory in its war against Georgia. During his third term as president, Russia annexed Crimea and sponsored a war in eastern Ukraine with several military incursions made, resulting in international sanctions and a financial crisis in Russia. He also ordered a military intervention in Syria against rebel and jihadist groups.[16] During his fourth term as president, he presided over a military buildup on the border of Ukraine. Putin accused the Ukrainian government of committing atrocities against its Russian-speaking minority, and in February 2022, he ordered a full-scale invasion of the country, resulting in numerous atrocities and leading to widespread international condemnation, as well as expanded sanctions and calls for Putin to be pursued with war crime charges.
Under Putin's leadership, Russia has experienced democratic backsliding and a shift to authoritarianism. Putin's rule has been characterised by endemic corruption, the jailing and repression of political opponents, the intimidation and suppression of independent media in Russia, and a lack of free and fair elections. Putin's Russia has scored poorly on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index, and Freedom House's Freedom in the World index. Putin is the second-longest currently serving European president after Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus.The Godfather Himself - Part 3 - Quite literally he will make you an offer you can't refuse
Russia's New Strategy?
Update: What a joke. In order to try and save face for their failure to encircle and take Kyiv in what was meant to be a three day operation (thanks to Ukrainian resistance - See: Kyiv offensive), Russia has supposedly changed strategy and now claims the first phase of their "special military operation" is complete - explained as some form of diversionary tactic to weaken Ukrainian forces, and will now concentrate on "liberation" in the Donbas region of Ukraine - However, Russia will continue to annihilate Ukraine's infrastructure with missiles and bombs as a means to weaken Ukraine militarily, politically, and economically for years to come. Even if they don't occupy the country as a whole, Russia is attempting to realize a long standing goal of creating a land bridge from Crimea to the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine (Eastern Ukraine offensive), and are also in the process of attempting to take land bordering the Black Sea all the way to Odesa (Southern Ukraine campaign) - a region which is an essential export hub of Ukraine and a major part of their economy. A strategy sought by Russia from the very beginning of the invasion - See: Novorossiya.
Update: Yep, it's official. Putin's claims that Russia does not intend to occupy and claim Ukrainian territory is now laid to rest. Russian major general Rustam Minnekayev has openly stated on Russian state-media Russia's intentions to create a land bridge from Crimea to the Donbas region, and lay claim to Ukrainian territory in the south, including the unrecognized breakaway state of Transnistria which is internationally recognized as part of Moldova - Mr. Minnekayev claims that there is evidence the Russian-speaking population are being oppressed in the region, which is the exact same false narrative Russia used as a pretext to invade Ukraine, and Georgia in 2008.
Update: 2023 Moldovan coup d'état attempt allegations.
This not only proves Putin's ambitions of establishing a new Russian Empire is true but, also establishes the claims of "de-Nazifying" Ukraine was merely a smoke-screen to divert attention from his actual intentions. However, the narrative of "de-Nazification" will continue to be pushed on the Russian people, especially in regards to the upcoming Victory Day celebrations to commemorate the surrender of Nazi Germany. The Kremlin propaganda machine will continue to propagate the false narrative that equates the offensive in Ukraine to Russia's noble struggle against the Nazis in World War II. And, at a grand event on May 9, Putin will invigorate Russian-pride and speak to the cheering, flag-waving masses, of the heroic and patriotic Russian-military "liberators" for their noble sacrifices in protecting Russia against the existential threat posed by Ukraine and the West through NATO expansionism.
Update: Though speculatory, according to U.S. and Western officials, at the May 9 event, Mr. Putin may officially declare war on Ukraine - A declaration that could potentially bolster public support in Russia and, under Russian law, allow Mr. Putin to mobilize reserve forces and draft conscripts - We shall see...
Update: On 21 September 2022 Mr. Putin announces an immediate 'partial' mobilization of 300,000 military reserves in Russia.
Putin's May 9, 2022 Victory Parade Speech
Wikipedia: 2022 Moscow Victory Day Parade.
Though Mr. Putin did not officially declare war on Ukraine on May 9, predictably, Mr. Putin's Victory Parade speech seeks to continue to equate the Russian offensive against the Nazis during World War II to his illegal invasion of Ukraine, and states the support of the separatists (who Putin addresses as "our people") in the Donbas region of Ukraine as necessary to counteract the supposed threat to Russian security. Mr. Putin also states Russia had to act preemptively, and were forced to do so, to prevent NATO and Ukrainian forces from invading what he considers as "our historic lands" of Donbas and Crimea that is internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory (once again proving Putin does not view Ukraine as a nation but part of Russia), and adds the Ukrainian government 'could' attain nuclear weapons.
First off, there is simply no evidence to support plans for a NATO invasion. Besides the fact NATO policy dictates the organization is for defensive purposes, the very idea of NATO intentionally starting a regionally destabilizing war that would inevitably involve Russia and the possibility of mass casualties throughout Europe, massive damage to infrastructure, and the possibility of nuclear confrontation is so ludicrous it belongs to works of fiction. Even with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO has flat out refused to directly commit its military to defend the Ukrainian people in their hour of need, for fear of escalation. And to top it all off, historically NATO has been very reluctant to admit Ukraine as a NATO member. Many reasons were given for this at the time like, stating Ukraine did not meet certain requirements for inclusion. But, in reality, refusal of Ukrainian membership by NATO and the European Union was fundamentally based on, ironically, appeasing Mr. Putin so as not to invade Ukraine or other European nations. Done so as to prevent a destabilizing war in Europe through friendly relations and retaining a lucrative economic partnership with Russia to secure that relationship. Believing, at the time, doing so would guarantee security in the region, with Russia as a dependable economic and regional partner cementing that belief. NATO and the EU mistakenly concluded Mr. Putin would not behave in a way that would negatively impact their partnership because it would prove too costly, both politically and economically for Russia. However, NATO and the EU did not take into account the breadth of Putin's geo-political ambitions, and was proven wrong when Russia eventually invaded Ukraine (in view of the current crisis Germany's foreign minister, Christian Lindner acknowledged on global television that the German government made a strategic miscalculation with their reliance on Russian oil and gas).
Simply put, for years NATO and the EU prioritized Russia-European interests above those of Ukraine. Having the benefit of hindsight, one cannot help about wonder, would Russia have invaded if Ukraine were a NATO (See: Article 5) or European Union member? - One thing is for sure, the risk factor in deciding to do so would have been much greater for Mr. Putin and would of undoubtedly played a major part in his decision making.
Secondly, Mr. Putin stating Ukraine could attain nuclear weapons, the very fact that Mr. Putin uses the word 'could' indicates there is no evidence to support this - even by Kremlin standards of using anecdotal evidence to create false narratives, they cannot make that stick. Ukraine is a non-nuclear state that destroyed their Soviet-era nuclear weapons, in good faith, as part of the conditions for Ukrainian independence (See: Nuclear weapons and Ukraine and the Budapest Memorandum). Ironically, talk of the idea of nuclear weapons only resurfaced in view of an imminent invasion of Ukraine by Russia, 'suggested' by president Zelenskyy as a last resort to deter Russia and guarantee Ukraine's security and sovereignty, and not as a offensive weapon against Russia as Russia likes to spin - Realistically speaking, maybe a nation with an ambitious dictator at the helm, that has an estimated 5,580 nuclear warheads at his disposal (update: as of 2024) should be considered the real threat? Once again, having the benefit of hindsight, one cannot help but wonder, would Russia have invaded Ukraine if Ukraine were to have nuclear weapons in their arsenal? - One thing is for sure, the risk factor in deciding to do so would have been much greater for Mr. Putin and would of undoubtedly played a major part in his decision making (it comes as no surprise our little paranoid friend in North Korea is becoming more and more committed to developing his nuclear capabilities when he sees what happens to nations and their leaders that voluntarily give up their nuclear weapons).
All in all, the crux of Mr. Putin's Victory Parade speech is simply an attempt to put blame on others in order to justify a war he initiated and an attempt to change the narrative that the goal of his so-called "Special Military Operation" is centered on the Donbas region as an excuse for his strategic failures in other parts of Ukraine - However, just because Mr. Putin's political ambitions have, as of yet, not been met because of the failures of his military, does not necessarily mean he has abandoned his nefarious plans, and may still officially declare war on Ukraine and mobilize his reserve forces and draft conscripts if need be.
Update - 3 May 2023 | See: 2023 Kremlin drone attack, False flag operation, Victory Day (9 May) & ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 3, 2023.
Putin's Engineered Conservatism - A Case of Not Seeing the Forest for the Trees
Taylor & Francis Online: Russia's "conservative turn" after 2012: evidence from the European Social Survey.
Politico Magazine: How Russia Became the Leader of the Global Christian Right.
A very interesting subtext to Putin's May 9 speech is his statements regarding faith, traditional values, and customs (See: National conservatism, Christian right, and Christian nationalism). Clearly this alludes to the conservative values that Mr. Putin says he embraces and is clearly aimed not only at the Russian people themselves but, also towards supporters who reside outside of Russia, and is an obvious ploy to create division by stoking the culture war and hot-button issues like cancel-culture in Europe and the United States when speaking of the "moral degradation of the West(?)" and "cancellation of millennia-old values". Mr. Putin even makes mention of "US veterans who wanted to come to the parade in Moscow who were actually forbidden to do so" - an obvious reference to cancel-culture with the specific aim to gain sympathy from a foreign audience, especially for those in the United States (strange though, Mr. Putin personally engages in the most extreme form of cancel-culture by jailing or murdering those who speak out or who are critical of his regime and its policies).
European Council on Foreign Relations: Conservatism by decree: Putin as a figurehead for the global far-right.
It is no secret, support of Mr. Putin is rife amongst many in the West and the United States who embrace conservative values merely because they think they share a common world view and conflate Mr. Putin's views as a promotion of their own views on the domestic and international stage. And, as such, view him as a leader of their cause - As the proverb goes; "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Don't get me wrong, this is not a criticism of conservative values, or conservatives per say but, support of an individual merely because he or she espouses what one believes to be of a similar or same ideology without taking into account the nefarious ulterior motives of that individual sets a dangerous precedent. Mr. Putin is such a case in point, he may espouse conservative and Christian values in his rhetoric and has mustered many fans worldwide because of this but, his murderous actions prove antithetical to those very beliefs. For instance; Mr. Putin has stated on numerous occasions he is a great supporter of family values yet, as I'm writing, is consciously and deliberately murdering, deporting, traumatizing, and splitting families in Ukraine. Adopting a set of ethical values is a code one lives by, it is not a convenience that one can conveniently switch on and off like a light-switch whenever it suits you. The adoption and application of one's moral and ethical values when it only pertains to one ethnic, racial, social, religious, or political group, as Mr. Putin is doing, not only proves Mr. Putin is a hypocrite extraordinaire but is using conservatism, Christian nationalism, and those people around the world that support him as a tool to sow division outside of Russia through a strategy of "divide and conquer" simply as a means to realize his geopolitical ambitions - Why do you think Mr. Putin has given millions in financial support to far-right political parties in Europe and elsewhere?
Bible Queue: What Are Christian Values: Core Beliefs & Virtues Explained.
Wikipedia: Christian values.
Wikipedia: Christian privilege.
Wikipedia: Christian persecution complex.
And those who support and side with Mr. Putin simply because he espouses like-minded views or beliefs, and who knowingly turn a blind eye or excuse the crimes he has committed to further their own agendas have, by extension, implicated themselves as morally complicit to those crimes. And, as such, have emboldened Mr. Putin to continue with his criminal activities by that very support.
The Conversation: War in Ukraine is testing some American evangelicals' support for Putin as a leader of conservative values.
In all democratic nations the time has come to take stock of ourselves and where our allegiance lies. The choice is simple. Either you support Mr. Putin, who represents an authoritarian nation intent on undermining democracies in the West and who has waged a war on everything it stands for, or you don't. It is really just as simple as that. There is no gray area where one can try and justify support of Mr. Putin by saying things like; "I don't like certain things about Putin, but I'm willing to overlook that and support him anyhow, because we share a common ideology." - Historically, this is exactly the kind of thinking dictators and so-called "strongmen" have exploited, and capitalized on, in order to carry out their self-serving agendas through the guise of a populist ideology supported by the masses. Which, ironically, as proven throughout history, leads not only to the demise of the freedoms of perceived enemies but to the demise of the freedoms of the very people who support that dictator or dictatorship - See: Most Conservative Countries, List of freedom indices and Democratic backsliding by country.
The Guardian: The pro-Putin far right is on the march across Europe - and it could spell tragedy for Ukraine.
Taking into account the above, we have to ask ourselves, what is the path we wish to follow concerning the country we live in and what kind of a country we wish for our children to inherit? Are we willing to support extremist or populist leaders (on either side of the political spectrum) who indulge in partisan politics that claim they can solve the most pressing issues of the day, but whose agendas only serve a particular segment of society and undermine the freedoms of others? Are we willing to give up on our hard-fought freedoms for short-term solutions to hot-button issues of the moment that ultimately create far greater problems in the future? And are we willing to adopt standpoints that only benefit certain groups and stubbornly refuse to see the point of view of others by refusing to engage in constructive dialogue that creates even more social and political divisions? - I truly hope not, because this is exactly the divisions leaders such as Mr. Putin and Xi Jinping are actively exploiting and promoting through massive disinformation campaigns in order to weaken democratic nations. They know a nation divided is a weak nation that can easily be manipulated and coerced to serve their agendas. The weaker democratic nations become the stronger authoritarian nations become. Besides the fact that both Russia and China want to change the global order by undermining Western democratic nations, especially the United States, Xi Jinping and Mr. Putin also share a common dilemma and is another fundamental reason why the two authoritarians have joined forces, and that is, they both fear democratization. Mr. Putin and Xi Jinping are very aware if democracy proves successful in nations around the world its influence will inevitably spill over into authoritarian nations and those leaders who previously enjoyed absolute control over its people are now at risk of losing that control when people start questioning their authority and start demanding their rights and freedoms. So, in the interest of self-preservation, and holding onto power, it is imperative authoritarian leaders like Mr. Putin and Xi Jinping undermine democracy and portray to their citizens (and others around the world) their oppressive form of government is the more successful political system that guarantees their economic and social wellbeing. And freedom of thought, freedom of speech, individualism, and liberalism, are dangerous Western constructs that only cause strife and must be eradicated in all its forms by the state and replaced by what the supreme leader dictates in word and deed is best for the masses to unquestionably follow, and enforced upon through severe punishment anyone who dares question that authority.
Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church
As was the case with Joseph Stalin, who "legalized" Orthodoxy to keep a nation at war united, Mr. Putin is following a very similar agenda to his inspirational mentor in convincing the clergy of the Orthodox church to support Mr. Putin's war and have them use religious doctrine preached to the masses as a justification for waging the war on Ukraine on religious and ideological grounds.
Yale MacMillan Center: Timothy Snyder: "God Is a Russian" - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow - Putin Religious Partner in Crime, Alleged Ex-KGB Agent, and Supporter of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Wow! Talk about a wolf in lambs clothing. This corrupt Patriarch's resume reads more like a high-level gangster than a man of God. It is no wonder Patriarch Kirill and his buddy Mr. Putin are so close. Besides Mr. Putin filling Patriarch Kirill's coffers with cash to further his agenda through religious doctrine, they also share the same delusions of grandeur of a glorious new Russian empire of yesteryear. It reminds me of criminal terrorist organizations, like ISIS and their affiliates, who together with their interpretation of religious scripture, use the excuse of acting in God's name as a moral justification to invade, torture, rape, murder, subjugate, and commit genocide. A phenomenon of persecution and violence proven throughout history to be an inseparable component of every major religion.
Wikipedia: False prophet.
Wikipedia: Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.
Wikipedia: Russian world.
P.S.: Being a movie-buff and all, I cannot help but compare Mr. Putin's phony holiness when attending church service, looking angelic and making the sign of the cross, to "The Godfather". The sequence near the end of the film where Michael Corleone is in a church attending the baptism of his godson, while in stark contrast, intercuts to Michael Corleone's hitmen murdering his enemies is so reminiscent of how Putin operates, it's uncanny... Great movie though. If by any slim chance you haven't seen it, it comes highly recommended.
The Russian Orthodox Church, Putin, and the War in Ukraine
Wikipedia: Russian Orthodox Church.
Time: How the Russian Orthodox Church is Helping Drive Putin's War in Ukraine.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Why the Russian Orthodox Church Supports the War in Ukraine.
Religion News Service: Why is Russia's church backing Putin's war?
Heather Conley on Russia's "Strategic Conservatism" - "Intelligence Matters"
CBS News: Heather Conley on Russia's "strategic conservatism" - "Intelligence Matters".
Update: Mr. Putin Announces a 36-Hour Ceasefire Between January 6 and 7, 2023 in Observance of Russian Orthodox Christmas
Let alone people of Christian faith, any person with an inkling of human decency should be outraged by Mr. Putin's latest attempt to portray himself as a leader of Christian values!? when in reality he displays none of its values. The hypocrisy of Mr. Putin when he initiated the war in Ukraine and then calling for a ceasefire in observance of the Russian Orthodox Christmas after mercilessly bombing civilians on Christmas is nothing short of an abomination. The truth is, Mr. Putin is weaponizing religion as a strategy to undermine the Ukrainian government, who he falsely claims are suppressing the Orthodox Church, simply to justify his illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine on religious grounds and gain support from the Christian community. This strategy of "the end justifies the means" is nothing new to the Kremlin when winning at any cost is the primary objective.
ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 5, 2023.
Update: The Kremlin Continues to Use Long-Standing False Narratives That the Ukrainian Government is Oppressing Religious Liberties as a Moral Justification for Its Refusal to Negotiate with Ukraine, Likely in the Hopes of Turning International Public Opinion Against Ukraine
ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 14, 2023.
Update: Russian Occupation Authorities are Likely Conducting a Campaign of Systematic Religious Persecution in Occupied Ukraine
ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 9, 2023. - Lieutenant General Igor Yevgenyevich Konashenkov (born 15 May 1966) is the chief spokesman for the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. Igor Konashenkov was born on 15 May 1966 in Kishinev, Moldavian SSR, Soviet Union. Konashenkov graduated with distinction from the engineering department of Zhitomir Higher Military School of Radioelectronics of Air Defence in 1988. In 1998, he graduated from the Air Defence Military Academy. In 2006, he graduated from the higher courses of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia. He has served in the Soviet Air Defence Forces and in the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces, in the directorate of the major command of the Territorial Air Defence Forces.Chief Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
This stern-faced military spokesman reminds me of the stereotypical Russian seen only in James Bond movies of yesteryear. His phony composure and spewing of Russian propaganda and disinformation (spoken in stereotypical monotone) is nothing short of self-parody. For example; in a plot not even feasible in a Bond movie where the script-writer would of been undoubtedly fired and declared a "persona non grata" on set, Mr. Konashenkov claimed that U.S. forces had planned to infect birds in Ukraine with a spreadable form of the H5N1 flu strain "with a mortality rate of 50 percent". Even in the most practical of terms, are people in Russia (and elsewhere) aware of just how ludicrous this conspiracy theory is? Maybe Mr. Konashenkov can also explain to us how the U.S. forces are going to persuade or indoctrinate the infected birds to only infect the Russian invaders and their pro-Russian separatist buddies, and not, God-forbid, anybody else in Ukraine (or elsewhere) who may come into contact with the ghastly, disease-ridden, flying and non-flying feathered-vermin-assassins?
Wikipedia: Igor Konashenkov.
The Sinking of the Russian Cruiser Moskva - The Pride of the Russian Military
A great example of Mr. Konashenko exposing his own lies - Though initially the true reason behind the fate of the Russian cruiser Moskva was met with healthy skepticism when conflicting reports came from both the Ukrainian military and the Russian military surfaced, with the Ukrainian military claiming the ship was sunk using two Neptune anti-ship cruise missiles and the Russians claiming a fire onboard, caused by a few irresponsible sailors smoking cigarettes where they weren't supposed to, led to the Moskva ultimately sinking. However, the true fate of the Moskva became abundantly clear when the Russians swore revenge on Ukraine and retaliated (as usual) by bombing civilian infrastructure and specifically the Ukrainian factory they claimed was responsible for the manufacture of the Neptune missiles used to sink the ship. So, in other words, what the Russians are telling us (because they do not want to admit the Ukrainian-military sunk their beloved ship), is that the Russian military decided to take revenge on the Ukrainians because some Russian sailors accidentally sank their own ship? - Welcome to the Twilight Zone folks.
The Northeastern Ukrainian Counteroffensive
Predictably our friend Igor is underplaying the Ukrainian advances in the northeast of Ukraine where the Russian military have suffered a humiliating defeat. The fall of the strategically important city of Izium is considered the most devastating blow to Russia since its humiliating retreat from Kyiv. However, in an attempt to underplay the latest developments on the battlefield, our stern-faced military spokesman states the reason for the hasty withdrawal is because Russian forces are regrouping in the Donetsk area in order to achieve the stated goals of the "special military operation" to liberate Donbas. However, regardless how hard the Russian military tries to manipulate the truth, even allies like Chechen leader/gangster Ramzan Kadyrov, who has committed thousands of his fighters to assist in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has openly criticized Russian leadership for their failures. Criticism has even extended to Russian state-owned television (possibly by design), where war mongers, in their anger, are calling for an increase in hostilities and mass mobilization inside of Russia, and one pundit even using the forbidden word, "War" in his analysis of the situation in Ukraine. And how does the Russian military respond to this criticism and the ass-kicking they received from the Ukrainians? - Predictably, in an act of ongoing barbarism and cowardice, they target civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Wikipedia: Attacks on civilians in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
P.S.: To add to the massive amount of atrocities already committed by the Russian military, further evidence of war-crimes such as, imprisonment, torture, and executions have since been uncovered in towns and villages in the Kharkiv Oblast territory liberated by the Ukrainian military - Including torture-rooms and mass graves containing hundreds of corpses in Izium - Including that of adults and children, and victims of torture and executions.
Liberation of Kherson
Once again, Russia is underplaying their humiliating defeat in the strategically important city of Kherson, and is further proof of the incompetency of the Russian military and the resolve of the Ukrainian military. And, once again, how does the Russian military respond to the criticisms of their military-bloggers and the ass-kicking they received from the Ukrainians? - Predictably, in an act of ongoing barbarism and cowardice, they target civilians and civilian infrastructure in an act of revenge. Which just goes to prove, the Russians are nothing without their advanced missile systems, that can be fired from thousands of kilometers away, and their nuclear weapons that can be used as blackmail to prevent what would be their inevitable defeat if they were to engage NATO and the Ukrainians in conventional warfare.
Wikipedia: Liberation of Kherson.
Wikipedia: 2022 Ukrainian southern counteroffensive.
Who Are the Terrorists, You Say?
Mr. Konashenko's ludicrous statement calling Ukrainians terrorists is a classic example of psychological deflection, where the guilty party attempts to take the blame off of themselves by blaming others for their own misdeeds. How can citizens defending one's homeland and its people be considered terrorists? Let's not forget that it was Russia who illegally, and without provocation, invaded Ukraine, and that it is Russia who is intentionally terrorizing and murdering civilians in Ukraine, and not vice versa. I don't know about you(?), but in my book that kind of narrows it down who the real terrorists actually are.
The actions against civilians, as an act of revenge by the Kremlin, is uncannily identical to the actions of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis against civilians during World War II. How ironic, Russia is claiming they are "liberating" Ukraine from the Nazis, when in actual fact they are the ones conducting themselves exactly like the Nazis did, and in some cases even outdoing the Nazis in their brutality against civilians. I wouldn't be surprised if the Russians are using the Nazi playbook to achieve their goals when there are so many obvious parallels between the two - See: Holocaust Encyclopedia - Deceiving the Public.
Russian Filtration/Concentration Camps for Ukrainians
Wikipedia: Russian filtration camps for Ukrainians - See also: NKVD filtration camps and filtration camp system in Chechnya.
The Kremlin Strikes Back... Again
Update: The Kremlin is once again resorting to their old tricks of using nuclear-coercion to try and intimidate the U.S. to stop the supply of military hardware to Ukraine. This proves U.S. support of the Ukrainian military is making an impact on the battlefield and the Russians aren't too happy about it. And, if the Kremlin decides to once again use threats of nuclear war to intimidate the U.S. and the West, they had better realize the U.S. and the West also have a vast collection of nuclear weapons and capabilities. Enough to bomb their beloved Mother-Russia back into the stone-age, twice over, if that's what Russia wants by initiating a nuclear war? I hope the U.S. and the West have finally come to the realization that the only way to handle Mr. Putin is from a position of strength and not to give in to his or his sycophants threats. Mr. Putin must realize, once and for all, two can play this mad game of "I-Lose-You-Lose".
Wikipedia: Military doctrine of Russia.
However, to avoid miscalculation, and debunk the Russian narrative that NATO and the West is the aggressor and not Russia, it is imperative that the U.S. and the West make it abundantly clear, on the world stage and to the Russian people in particular, that the U.S. and the West have no intentions of invading Russia or engaging the Russian military on Russian soil but, are willing to help their neighbors and partners defensively if they are unjustly, and unlawfully attacked by Russia. Mr. Putin must be made to understand Russia's unfounded aggression on sovereign nations and blatant violations of international law will not be tolerated, and will have severe consequences. Although nobody wants to see an escalation of the war in Ukraine, the reality is, if Mr. Putin is allowed to continue on his present trajectory, he will not stop with Ukraine. And to add, if Mr. Putin is successful it will no doubt inspire other dictators to follow suit. Therefor, if nations wish for any semblance of global security and economic stability, they really don't have much of a choice but to stand fast "in unity" and engage against Russia's aggression, or face far worse consequences in the future - Analogically, one can compare Russia's aggression and occupation to a cancerous tumor. If it is detected early it can be removed so as to prevent the cancer from spreading. However, left untreated, the cancer will spread to the point where removal of the tumor becomes futile and the host is eventually engulfed by the cancer.
NATO: NATO - Homepage.
P.S.: More of Mr. Putin's lies exposed - The very fact that the Kremlin continues to redeploy troops and equipment from the borders of the Baltic countries and Finland to reinforce war efforts in Ukraine and leaving its westernmost flank exposed to attack, proves Mr. Putin's narrative that the war in Ukraine is a response to NATO threatening Russian territory is blatantly false - See: Russia Disarms Its Western Borders to Feed the Fight in Ukraine.
The Kremlin Strikes Back... Once Again - Putin's Televised Address on 21 September 2022
Yes folks, our angry little czar-wannabe is at it again. Making threats, changing narratives, mobilizing reservists, speaking of neo-Nazis, threatening nuclear war, and blaming everybody else for the situation in Ukraine but himself.
Contrary to his tough-guy speak and threats, Mr. Putin is in actual fact speaking from a position of weakness and desperation. He knows the war he initiated in Ukraine is not going as planned, with Ukraine winning back large swathes of territory and his military failing, and is therefor resorting to desperate methods, like conscription in Russia. Mr. Putin knows conscripting Russian people to fight in Ukraine is unpopular inside of Russia, so in order to justify the mobilization of 300,000 reservists, Mr. Putin is spinning a narrative that Russia is the victim in that the United States and the West are out to destroy their glorious Motherland, and that mobilizing more forces is essential to counteract that aggression. Mr. Putin even claims the West is using "nuclear blackmail" against Russia when it is Mr. Putin himself who has not only initiated and indulged in nuclear blackmail on multiple occasions in the past but, continues to do so.
The very fact of the immediacy of sham annexation referendums planned to take place in the Ukrainian territories occupied by the Russian invaders, namely in: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson Oblast, and the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, is further proof of Mr. Putin's desperation in view of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Mr. Putin's strategy is to hold sham referendums in those territories and then claim those territories are "legally" part of Russia so as to threaten Ukraine, the US, and the West, that nuclear weapons may be used if Russian territory is attacked. Mr. Putin is gambling his threats will both deter Ukraine from reclaiming more of their territory and prevent the United States and Europe from continuing to supply military hardware to Ukraine for fear of escalation.
The narrative that Mr. Putin is spinning, that Russia is protecting and liberating the separatists in the areas they have occupied (especially in regards to the Donbas where Mr. Putin claimed without any proof, genocide was being committed) and that it is their "moral?" duty to help the separatists in those areas, who Mr. Putin claims are being oppressed by the Ukrainians, is absolute B.S. (See: The Russo-Georgian War where Russia falsely accused Georgia of genocide to launch a full-scale invasion - This establishes a pattern of Russian strategy of using genocide as a pretext to justify invading sovereign nations). Besides his geopolitical ambitions, the reason behind this phony narrative is that Mr. Putin desperately needs a glorious victory after all his failures in Ukraine and needs to annex those separatist territories by any means possible. He has to show the Russian people, and the pro-war nationalists that support him, what a great military leader he is. And therefor has to realize at least some of the objectives he put forth at the beginning of his invasion. Mr. Putin cannot under any circumstances be seen as weak or as a failure - He knows a show of victory in Ukraine is imperative for his political survival regardless of how many Ukrainian and Russian lives it takes to do so.
The Conversation: Putin's claims that Ukraine is committing genocide are baseless, but not unprecedented.
I hope and pray, those millions of Russians who have shown nothing but apathy for the war in Ukraine, and who have conveniently turned a blind eye to the atrocious events that have occurred in it, and who have stated they want nothing to do with it - or say it doesn't concern them, come to the realization that the war is coming home. And that thousands more Russian citizens will be unnecessarily sacrificed in a war of Mr. Putin's making the longer it continues.
P.S.: Don't you find it funny, since Mr. Putin announced his mobilization and conscription of hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens, there has been a noticeable uptick in both protests and people fleeing Russia. I hope the Russian people will finally come to the realization that ignoring or being in denial of this war does not make you immune to it. And that playing a part in ending it is not only good for the entire global community but, for Russia and all its citizens, as well - I mean, think about it my dear Russian friends, who is actually benefitting from this ridiculous war, besides the arms dealers and Mr. Putin and his sycophants, that is?
Putin's Televised Address on 21 September 2022: Russian Mobilization Putin Speech.
Putin's Previous Televised Addresses: Address concerning the events in Ukraine - February 21, 2022 and On conducting a special military operation - February 24, 2022.
Putin Just Escalated His War In Ukraine. Here's Your Expert Guide to What's Coming Next
Atlantic Council: Putin just escalated his war in Ukraine. Here's your expert guide to what's coming next.
Anger Over Russia's Battlefield Defeats Bursts Into the Open
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Anger Over Russia's Battlefield Defeats Bursts Into The Open, Posing A Challenge For Putin.
Finland, Sweden, NATO, and Russia
It appears Finland is poised to join the NATO alliance (and Sweden), with the Finnish President and Prime Minister declaring Finland should join.
Predictably, the Russian response was not very positive. Russia stating; "Finland's accession to NATO will cause serious damage to bilateral Russian-Finnish relations and the maintaining of stability and security in the Northern European region." And; "Russia will be forced to take retaliatory steps, both of a military-technical and other nature, in order to neutralize the threats to its national security that arise from this."
Let's put the Russian response into perspective; The audacity of Russia speaking of damage to Russian-Finnish relations when Finland has the sovereign right to decide whichever organization it wants to join, is mind-boggling. It is not for Russia to dictate another nation's domestic policy. Who gives them the right? Russia must realize Finland is not one of their puppet-states that can be strong-armed to their will. Just because Finland has decided to join NATO does not mean they have suddenly grown a set of fangs and are out to get Russia. On the contrary, Finland's decision is fundamentally based on Russia's aggression as evidenced in Ukraine and the need to protect and secure their country as a deterrent to that aggression only in a defensive capacity. Finland has no expansionist ambitions like Russia, and no plans whatsoever to attack Russia but, have the God-given right to defend themselves if attacked. And if that means Finland has determined joining NATO as necessary to that defense in order to maintain stability and security in the region, so be it. What Russia should really be doing, is asking themselves why, for years, has Finland remained neutral and has now suddenly decided to join NATO? Russia's statements concerning "retaliatory steps" and "threats to national security" are just as confounding. Russia talks of "retaliation" as if Finland is guilty of aggressive behavior when it is Russia who is the bad actor who forced Finland to re-evaluate their long-standing Russian-Finnish policy. And likewise, when Russia speaks of the supposed "threats to their national security", it is actually Russia who poses not only a threat to its neighbors' security, as evidenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other previous undertakings but, also to global security and stability. This is yet another classic example of deflection, where the guilty party tries to put blame on the other party in order to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions.
Wikipedia: Finland-Russia relations.
If we cut out all the noise, NATO expansion is not really about Russia's fear of NATO as a military force that could attack their country, but a question of influence in the region that stifles Russia's geo-political ambitions.
Wikipedia: Finlandization.
Update April 4, 2023: Finland Joins NATO
NATO: Finland joins NATO as 31st Ally.
Wikipedia: Finland-NATO relations.
Wikipedia: Finland-Russia relations.
Update March 7, 2024: Sweden Joins NATO
NATO: Sweden officially joins NATO (as 32nd Ally).
Wikipedia: Sweden-NATO relations.
Wikipedia: Russia-Sweden relations. - Born in 7 October 1952 is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has been serving as the president of Russia since 2012, and previously between 2000 and 2008. He also served as the prime minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000, and again from 2008 to 2012.
Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel (podpolkovnik), before resigning in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. He moved to Moscow in 1996 to join the administration of president Boris Yeltsin. He briefly served as director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and secretary of the Security Council, before being appointed as prime minister in August 1999. After the resignation of Yeltsin, Putin became acting president and, less than four months later, was elected outright to his first term as president. He was reelected in 2004. As he was constitutionally limited to two consecutive terms as president at the time, Putin served as prime minister again from 2008 to 2012 under Dmitry Medvedev. He returned to the presidency in 2012 in an election marred by allegations of fraud and protests and was reelected in 2018. In April 2021, following a referendum, he signed into law constitutional amendments including one that would allow him to run for reelection twice more, potentially extending his presidency to 2036.
During his first tenure as president, the Russian economy grew on average by seven percent per year, following economic reforms and a fivefold increase in the price of oil and gas. He also led Russia during a war against Chechen separatists, reestablishing federal control of the region. As prime minister under Medvedev, he oversaw military reform and police reform, as well as Russia's victory in its war against Georgia. During his third term as president, Russia annexed Crimea and sponsored a war in eastern Ukraine with several military incursions made, resulting in international sanctions and a financial crisis in Russia. He also ordered a military intervention in Syria against rebel and jihadist groups.[16] During his fourth term as president, he presided over a military buildup on the border of Ukraine. Putin accused the Ukrainian government of committing atrocities against its Russian-speaking minority, and in February 2022, he ordered a full-scale invasion of the country, resulting in numerous atrocities and leading to widespread international condemnation, as well as expanded sanctions and calls for Putin to be pursued with war crime charges.
Under Putin's leadership, Russia has experienced democratic backsliding and a shift to authoritarianism. Putin's rule has been characterised by endemic corruption, the jailing and repression of political opponents, the intimidation and suppression of independent media in Russia, and a lack of free and fair elections. Putin's Russia has scored poorly on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index, and Freedom House's Freedom in the World index. Putin is the second-longest currently serving European president after Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus.The Godfather Himself - Part 4 - He knows if anything in this life is certain, and if history has taught him anything, is that he can kill anyone
Wikipedia: Vladimir Putin.
Wikipedia: Putinism.
Putin the War-Criminal
United States Institute of Peace: A Look at the Laws of War - and How Russia is Violating Them.
Wikipedia: War crimes in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Wikipedia: International Criminal Court investigation in Ukraine.
Open Society Foundations: How to Hold Russia Accountable for War-Crimes in Ukraine.
Update - March 17, 2023: Arrest Warrants Issued Against Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova
Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants against Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova.
The Weakness of the Despot
The New Yorker: The Weakness of the Despot - An expert on Stalin discusses Putin, Russia, and the West.
Vladimir Putin | The New Yorker
The New Yorker: Vladimir Putin.
What Putin Fears Most | Journal of Democracy
Journal of Democracy: What Putin Fears Most.
Putin's New Ukraine Essay Reveals Imperial Ambitions | Atlantic Council
Atlantic Council: Putin's new Ukraine essay reveals imperial ambitions.
The Russian-Ukrainian Peace Talks?
Does anyone actually believe Russia has good intentions in bringing the Ukrainian war to an end? Why would they go to all the trouble of invading Ukraine and then decide to simply abandon their stated goals by entering into peace talks to end the conflict? It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. And anyhow, how can one even afford to trust a nation that have proven themselves to be pathological liars on every front. Russia is simply regrouping and buying time after their strategic failure to unseat the government in Kyiv (a major objective of the invasion), but that does not necessarily mean Mr. Putin has given up on that objective, or any of his other objectives. Mr. Putin's belief that the Ukrainians would welcome the Russian military with open arms and thereby facilitate the fall of the Ukrainian government was a gross miscalculation, to say the least. Undoubtedly, the events that transpired in the invasion and eventual annexation of Crimea played a major role in Mr. Putin's thinking, believing unseating the government in Kyiv would be just as easy and with little resistance from the Ukrainians as was the case in Crimea.
However, the bombing of infrastructure, forced displacement of Ukrainians, and occupation of regions in the east (See: Eastern Ukraine campaign - Battle of Donbas) and south (See: Southern Ukraine campaign) of Ukraine proves Russia's initial plans of occupation and integration into their sphere of influence continues. Mr. Putin simply cannot return his army to Russia without some grand victory to prove what a great military leader he is to the Russian people. He simply cannot afford the political implications of failure in his homeland.
If Russia is successful in occupying territory in Ukraine, and thus able to negotiate from a position of strength, the demands of Ukrainian negotiators and other relevant parties in view of giving back those occupied territories and withdrawing their forces will not be met. Russia will instead hold a phony referendum as they did in Crimea to "legitimize" the illegal annexation, issue Russian passports under duress to the residents of those occupied territories, eradicate Ukrainian identity and culture, promote the immigration of Russian nationals to the newly acquired territories to change the demographics of the region, and hold a grand ceremony and signing in the Kremlin, hosted by Mr. Putin himself, to announce another successful Russian conquest.
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Putin's Annexation Ceremony and Speech on 30 September 2022
If one were to summarize Mr. Putin's "annexation" speech one can conclude it is nothing short of an insane, bizarre-rambling-farce, put forward by a little dictator who in his failures is desperate to announce some sort of a victory in Ukraine. He knows he is at present losing the war in Ukraine and needs to resort to desperate measures like annexation of territories (not even fully in Russian control), mass mobilization, and nuclear threats.
Mr. Putin's bizarre rant against the West and his selective revisionist history of the ills of the West and the United States is just as interesting. Yes, the West and the United States have a dark past and there is no disputing that yet, so have all other nations. This is not an attempt to excuse the past but, one cannot simply look at history through the prism of the ills of nations but, one must also look through the prism of the great innovations and leaps forward displayed by those nations - Good does not exist without bad, and bad does not exist without good - the two are inseparable. Don't you find it strange though, Mr. Putin only criticizes nations that are against the very crimes Putin blames the West and the U.S. for committing in the past but, he himself is committing in the present? However, Mr. Putin conveniently prefers to neglect his crimes and the dark side of Russian history, and only speaks of the greatness of the Russian nation and its people. This smacks of a deep hypocrisy. Why does Mr. Putin not make mention of Russian Imperialism? What about the Forced-Labor Camps That Existed in the Soviet Union? And what about the horrors of Stalinism, and the Mass Killings Under Communist Regimes like; the White Terror, the Red Terror, the Great Purge, the Stalinist Repressions in Mongolia, the Dekulakization, the Holodomor, and the Kazakh Famine? And why does Mr. Putin fail to mention the Russian war crimes that have taken place throughout modern Russian history until the present like; the Crimes Committed by the Russian Empire in World War I, or the War Crimes committed by the Soviets like the Massacre of Prisoners of War in World War II, or the World War II Crimes That Occurred in Poland including the Mass Rape of Polish Citizens During Occupation? And what about the Mass Rape That Occurred During the Occupation of Germany? And more recently, what about the war crimes committed against Georgians during the Russia-Georgian war like; the Forced Deportations of Georgians from Russia and the Ethnic cleansing of Georgians in South Ossetia? And what about the Russian War Crimes Committed in Chechnya, the Russian War Crimes Committed in Estonia, and the Russian War Crimes Committed in Syria? And (as of writing), what about the ongoing War Crimes Being Committed in Ukraine? - To name but a few.
And not to mention the massive backsliding and degradation occurring in the Russian Federation itself. Instead of Russia growing as a nation, Mr. Putin is in the process of creating a totalitarian state of yesteryear with things like; the changing of the constitution to remain in office; the corruption of the legal system and the courts to first and foremost serve him and the Kremlin and not the law of the land; the implementation of draconian laws by those very courts under Putin's thumb; the suppression and torture of citizens who speak out or protest against the regime; the undermining of free speech in all its forms and the harsh suppression of the truth if it does not fit the Kremlin's narrative; the jailing, torture, and assassination of political opponents; the amalgamation and integration of organized crime into all facets of government, and the massive corruption committed by Mr. Putin and his inner circle - And Mr. Putin has the audacity to talk of the "degradation" of the West - Really? C'mon Mr. Putin, gimme a break, man.
"Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual." - Thomas Jefferson
I truly hope people will one day come to the realization that the fall of societies does not come about from equal rights, tolerance, inclusion, diversity, or lack of religious beliefs. It comes about through negative human traits, such as; hatred, prejudice, discrimination, intolerance, extremism, extreme nationalism, religious fanatism, partisanship, apathy, arrogance, selfishness, egotism, ignorance, dishonesty, falsehoods, lies, deception, hypocrisy, greed, and corruption - The very traits displayed by Mr. Putin and his government that by its very nature "will" eventually lead to the demise of the Russian Federation as we know it. The only question is, how long will it take?
You know, there is a thing I've always had difficulty in understanding. Why is it that people that are much cleverer than myself so susceptible to the allure of so-called "strongmen" and believe all the B.S. that comes out of their mouths? Why are they blown away by the fire and fury speeches done with a flair for the dramatic - like that of Il Duce, Benito Mussolini and Herr Adolf Hitler. And more recently, like that of Mr. Putin at his fake flag-waving ceremony after the annexation signing on the 30th of September, that looks like a modernized version of the Nuremberg rallies of old - when those speeches are nothing but hot-air and cultivated posing? Is it simply that people are inspired by the phony patriotism and nationalism propagated by the strongman? Or, is it simply because the strongman appeals to their emotions, but not their intellect, and therefor follow from the perspective of those emotions? Or is it simply a case of people blindly following their peers like sheep being led to the slaughter? What happened to common sense where it does not take an intellectual or rocket-scientist to ascertain that strongmen, such as Mr. Putin, are con-men who are simply using devious methods to win hearts and minds to benefit themselves and their cronies, and not for the benefit of the people they supposedly care about? Yet, not only does Mr. Putin have massive support within Russia but also outside of Russia. As was the case in Mr. Putin's May 9 speech he is not only attempting to rally support from Russians but also of those outside of Russia, in speaking to conservatives, and the far-left and far-right political parties emerging throughout Europe. Can they not see they are suckers (Putinverstehers) Mr. Putin is simply using as a tool to sow division in order to weaken those nations and their alliances he sees as enemies to him and his cause?
I hope people come to realize that so-called "strongmen" leaders, such as Mr. Putin, are actually weak leaders with weak character. Truly great leaders inspire through their leadership and earn the love and respect of the people he or she has the privilege to serve under. Weak leaders, on the other hand, create the façade of strength and see themselves as having the right to lead over the people with an iron fist, and use fear, intimidation, and violence, to gain what they deem as respect and admiration, when it is anything but. Respect can only be earned. It cannot be enforced through fear.
Why Do People Follow Tyrants?
Psychology Today: Why Do People Follow Tyrants? - History repeats itself because of human nature.
The Psychology of Strongmen
Hobble Creek: The Psychology of Strongmen.
The Peculiar Personality of Strongmen
Taylor & Francis Online | Political Research Exchange: The peculiar personality of strongmen: comparing the Big Five and Dark Triad traits of autocrats and non-autocrats.
P.S.: Mr. Putin received a tractor as a gift from the self-described Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko for his 70th birthday on 7 October 2022. I wonder, could it be Mr. Lukashenko is hinting Mr. Putin should retire from his dictator-job and take up farming to keep him occupied in his twilight years?... Yeah, I know folks, it's "probably" only wishful thinking on my behalf.
P.S.: Mr. Putin also received a (yet to be confirmed) birthday gift from the Ukrainians, by blowing up the legitimate military target and strategically important Crimean Bridge linking Russia to the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula, used as a supply route to transport weapons and personnel in support of Russia's war effort - "S dnyem roshdeniya, Mr. Putin!"
Don't you find it funny, Mr. Putin who is crying over his beloved, illegally-constructed bridge in violation of what is legally Ukrainian territory, is putting together a commission to investigate the Crimean Bridge explosion and calls the Ukrainians "vandals" and "terrorists", when in reality it is Russia itself that are the vandals and terrorists who illegally invaded Ukraine and who continue to incessantly bomb civilian infrastructure with no military value than sowing terror, death, and suffering on the civilian population. Including the very Russian-speaking regions and its people Mr. Putin is supposedly "liberating" - The time has come to designate the Russian military a terrorist organization and Mr. Putin (who is directly involved in making battlefield decisions) the head of that terrorist organization, as defined by the United Nations General Assembly in the following political description of terrorism: "Criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for political purposes are in any circumstance unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or any other nature that may be invoked to justify them."
Wikipedia: Definition of terrorism & Indiscriminate attack.
Update: On 10 October 2022, predictably, in ongoing acts of terrorism and cowardice, Mr. Putin, in an obvious act of "revenge" to appease criticism from the ultra-nationalist warmongers for the humiliating Crimean Bridge attack, has targeted civilians and critical civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. In particular, in the capital city of Kyiv. And knowingly, or unknowingly, by these very actions Mr. Putin has 'directly' implicated himself as the war-criminal we already know he is but, has now cemented that fact by his direct involvement in the strikes when he incriminated himself on global television. - In a historical context, one can see the obvious parallels to Adolf Hitler's rage and subsequent "revenge" on Britain during World War II, and in particular, the aerial bombing of London. This strategy was a major factor that contributed to Hitler's failure to conquer Britain. Not only did Hitler's attempt to annihilate civilian infrastructure fail to break the morale of the British people, as Hitler mistakenly believed it would but, it actually strengthened the British peoples' resolve to carry on fighting to the bitter end. And to add; not only did the arrogant Hitler underestimate the British Royal Airforce (which Hitler's Luftwaffe outnumbered 4 to 1) but, his rage led him to concentrate on targeting London instead of essential military targets (namely; Britain's early warning detection systems). This strategic failure gave the Royal Air Force the necessary breathing space that contributed to their resounding victory over the Luftwaffe which, as a result, not only stifled Hitler's planned invasion of Britain but, also planted the seeds for the eventual total defeat of Nazi Germany - See: The Blitz & Battle of Britain.
To Add: Russia is using Shahed-136 Kamikaze drones purchased in their thousands from their Iranian ally that functions more effectively against soft targets than military targets, and are used as such by the Russian military to target Ukrainian infrastructure. And, once again, it bares an uncanny resemblance to Hitler's strategy of using V-weapons against Britain and other countries in Europe. Besides sowing terror and death to break morale, the use of these so-called "wonder weapons" towards the end the war by Nazi Germany served as a desperate attempt to change the course of the war that the Nazis knew they were losing, as well as a propaganda tool to convince the German population these weapons would guarantee a victory over the Allies so as to keep them fighting on and, as a weapon of "vengeance" on civilian populations by Hitler who, in his extreme narcissism and anger could not stomach the idea of him losing and not taking everybody and everything down with him.
It is common knowledge Mr. Putin continues to involve himself directly in making military decisions in regards to the Ukrainian conflict. Though the two are unique characters, one cannot help but see the obvious similarities between Mr. Putin and Adolf Hitler. Not only are both extreme narcissists but, like the over-confident Mr. Putin (who believed Ukraine would fall in a few days), Hitler, after his initial successes in his "Blitzkrieg" started to believe he was a military genius. This belief extended to his own generals who Hitler regarded as beneath him and who constantly contradicted their advice and would dismiss them if they failed to meet his military objectives. This eventually led to Hitler taking command of the German forces on the 19th of December 1941, and through a myriad of bad decisions and strategic failures led not only to the demise of the German military but to Germany itself. Based on the evidence of events in Ukraine and the desperate actions and extreme ideological transformation of Mr. Putin that has grown exponentially since the beginning of his presidency, it appears Mr. Putin is following a very similar path to that of Adolf Hitler. One that can ultimately only result in failure.
Utrecht University: Putin's motive? The radical ideology of a holy Russian nation.
The Hill: Putin's Russia rose like Hitler's Germany - and could end the same.
Putin's Annual Address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow on February 21, 2023
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: In Latest Diatribe Against West, Putin Tries To Normalize War, Isolation For Russians.
Wikipedia: Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly.
Wikipedia: New START.
February 22, 2023 Moscow Rally to Commemorate Defender of the Fatherland Day
Yes folks, if anybody who is in doubt about Mr. Putin's imperialistic ambitions and why he invaded Ukraine and other territories before it, there is now no doubt whatsoever. In his speech at the 2023 Moscow Rally to Commemorate Defender of the Fatherland Day Mr. Putin announced for the whole world to hear, Russia is in a battle for their "historical frontiers" which in essence means, Mr. Putin can justify invading any country that at one point belonged to either the Soviet Union or the Russian Empire, or both. This proves without a shadow of a doubt Mr. Putin's imperialistic designs are far-reaching and extend way beyond the territories he has already invaded and annexed, and also proves all the reasons Mr. Putin has given over the years in invading and occupying territories was blatantly false and served merely as a smokescreen to divert attention from his actual intentions of creating a Russian Empire of old - In view of this fact please refer to the territorial evolution of Russia to ascertain which countries and territories are under direct threat of Mr. Putin's imperialistic ambitions.
Wikipedia: 2023 Moscow rally - Defender of the Fatherland Day. - Vasiliy Nebenzya was born on 26 February 1962 in Volgograd Oblast, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia].Russian Ambassador to the United Nations who Served as President of the UN Security Council at the Time of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Why Mr. Nebenzya is even allowed to address the United Nations is beyond comprehension? It doesn't take an expert to realize Mr. Nebenzya is simply using the United Nations Security Council as a platform to spread Russian propaganda and disinformation on the world stage.
Wikipedia: Vasily Nebenzya.
P.S.: What a joke. Russia, the perpetrator of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. That means any actions the Security Council wishes to take against Russia or, banning them from the Security Council itself, will simply be vetoed by Russia. In view of such loopholes, I think the time has come to seriously reform the policies of the United Nations as a whole.
Wikipedia: Reform of the United Nations.
Update: The Kremlin Continues to Falsely Claim that Ukraine Poses an Existential Threat to Russia to Reject Ukrainian Offers of a Peace Summit and Retain Putin's Original Maximalist Goals
ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign, January 14, 2023.
Yep, our friend Mr. Nebenzya is at it again, using the United Nations Security Council as a microphone to spread lies and propaganda on the world stage. However, Mr. Nebenzya has also made it abundantly clear, contrary to the misguided beliefs of a number of Western leaders, Mr. Putin has no desire whatsoever to engage in peace-talks or give up on his maximalist goals, and has instead chosen to escalate the war in Ukraine (See in the context of Russian escalation one can expect in Ukraine: Russian strategy in winning the Second Chechen War after their defeat in the First Chechen War and Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war).
Though I do not want to be overly critical of Western support for Ukraine, and they have made some progress in supporting the Ukrainians but, they need to do more and in a timely manner. If the West wishes for peace and stability in Europe without getting their own hands dirty, they need to assist Ukraine in a far more substantial way in so far as weapons are concerned. Especially when the Ukrainians have proven themselves a phenomenal fighting force who have utilized the weapons they have received thus far with great efficiency against the Russian invaders but, are in dire need of more. Mr. Putin is already increasing his war efforts and booking some success in places such as Soledar and Bakhmut. And even though, as many military experts have pointed out, Soledar and Bakhmut don't have major strategic value, selling a victory after a string of humiliating defeats to a domestic Russian audience is a major propaganda victory for Mr. Putin and will undoubtedly serve as a morale booster for future Russian conscripts and Russian troops disillusioned by the war (See: Battle of Soledar and the Battle of Bakhmut and List of military engagements during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine).
The West's hesitancy and an overabundance of caution in supplying more arms to the Ukrainian military, out of fear how Mr. Putin will react, when Russia, who is the aggressor in an unprovoked war, is using every weapon and means possible (including the intentional mass-murder of civilians and the targeting of civilian infrastructure) to achieve its goals, is confounding. Not only is Russia using a number of proxies, like the Chechens to fight in Ukraine but, Russia is even using a third-party country, namely Belarus, to launch missile and airstrikes on Ukrainian territory, as well as a platform to invade Ukraine, as they did in the failed Kyiv offensive. And may possibly do so again in the future? Yet, Ukraine stands alone as a nation bravely fighting the invaders and taking heavy losses in the process. The West assisting Ukraine in dribs and drabs is allowing Russia the essential ingredient of time as an advantage to regroup, reequip, re-strategize, and sort out their logistics issues, which in effect undermines the initiative Ukraine has achieved thus far on the battlefield by giving the Russians the breathing-space to create defensive lines to counteract future Ukrainian offensives and launch counter-offensives of their own. Though the Ukrainians have been successful in pushing Russian forces back, in the current situation, they may not be able to sustain a prolonged war with Russia, especially in terms of the lack of superior firepower necessary for an effective counter-offensive to drive the invaders out and, mounting casualties that Ukraine can ill afford. Russia, on the other hand, not only have time on their side, and all indicators point to Mr. Putin is in this for the long haul and is planning a major offensive in the near future but, Russia also has the advantage of numbers and, unlike the Ukrainians, have no qualms using their less experienced and newly-conscripted troops as cannon fodder as a battlefield tactic to wear down the Ukrainians and win territory.
Update 29 September 2023 - New Atlanticist: Jets and rockets are important, but Ukraine also needs faster munitions deliveries.
The Hill: Top Russian official says military must expand to 1.5M personnel.
Wikipedia: Russian Armed Forces.
Wikipedia: Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Wikipedia: List of Russo-Ukrainian military equipment: List of equipment of the Russian Ground Forces and List of equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
I hope the West realizes, if they wish for a Ukrainian victory and a stable Europe, they need to up their game in support of Ukraine or, accept the very real possibility of contending with a massive refugee crisis, economic instability, and an aggressive and regionally destabilizing Russian-controlled Ukrainian state deep in the heart of Europe - One must take into account the countries that border Ukraine, namely; Hungary, Moldova (that also borders the Russian-aligned breakaway state of Transnistria), Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, together with the Baltic states of Estonia and Latvia (that borders Russia), and Lithuania (that borders both Russian ally and partner Belarus and the Russian Kaliningrad Oblast) who will come under direct threat of Russian political destabilization and occupation, as evidenced by Russia's actions in places such as Moldova, and Georgia and Ukraine that border Russia, that have ethnic Russians in their populations exploited by the Kremlin as a strategy to justify occupation and annexation of sovereign territories for reasons of Russian-reunification along ethnic lines - See: Irredentism and Russian irredentism and using the argument of ethnicity to justify territorial gain in a historical context: The Nazi annexation of Austria, the annexation of the Sudetenland and occupation of Czechoslovakia.
Update: In February 2023, Ukrainian and Moldovan officials unveiled what they claimed were Russian plans to orchestrate an overthrow of the Moldovan government.
Update: February 21, 2023: Leaked document reveals alleged Kremlin plan to take over Belarus by 2030.
Update: March 6 - 10, 2023 - protests erupt in Georgia over Kremlin-inspired 'foreign agents' legislation.
Update: March 15, 2023 - Investigation: Leaked document exposes Kremlin's 10-year plan to undermine Moldova.
The West must also realize, war is an all or nothing game. Weakness, half-measures and indecisiveness in supporting Ukraine is certainly not a winning strategy in a conflict, especially against an enemy like Russia and, a fanatical leader who knows a victory in Ukraine will not only strengthen his domestic legitimacy but will also strengthen his standing on the global stage.
The Defense Post: What Happens if Russia Wins or Loses Ukraine?
ISW | Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 15, 2023: "Russian forces remain dangerous, and Ukraine requires sustained support. Ukraine requires further and timely Western support to adequately prepare for the Russian COAs (courses of action) for 2023. Ukraine's Western allies will need to continue supporting Ukraine in the long run even if a Russian decisive action in 2023 fails, as the Kremlin is nonetheless preparing for a protracted war. The West must continue its support to Ukraine's efforts to defeat Russia's invasion - and must do so quickly. The Russian military, as the saying goes, retains a vote on the course of the war despite its weaknesses and is actively setting conditions for major operations as the war enters its second year."
NATO Review: The consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine for international security - NATO and beyond.
P.S.: The Very Strange Case of Mr. Putin's (Thin) Red Line
Just how many times have we heard the words "Red Line" before and after Mr. Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine? I'm not sure, but I sure do know this - many, many, times. Just today, on the 18th of January 2023, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz mentioned it, once again, and added he does not want to 'provoke' Mr. Putin by sending heavy weapons to Ukraine in the form of Leopard 2 tanks or, giving permission to other European nations who purchased those tanks from Germany and wanting to send them to Ukraine, because he views this as "escalatory" and fears this may cross Mr. Putin's "Red Line" and push NATO into a war with Russia. Yet, Chancellor Scholz (who has sent heavy weapons in the past, like Howitzers) also points out he will continue to support Ukraine militarily with missile defense systems, artillery shells, various other munitions, armored vehicles, helmets, etc. etc. But, the very thing the Ukrainians need for an effective offensive against the Russians, namely the Leopard 2 tanks, is a no go because, it may prove "escalatory"? Okay? Well, let's put this all into some perspective:
First off, Russia does not want to enter into a war with NATO - Full-Stop/Period. Mr. Putin may be a psychopath, but he definitely isn't an idiot. He knows, under the present circumstances, if NATO were forced to directly enter the conflict in Ukraine itself, he would not only lose all territory he has gained but, the toll it would have on Russia and his already battered military would be enormous and would take many years and a massive amount of investment to get it back on track. Not only will this weaken Russia itself but, more importantly to Mr. Putin, it would weaken him politically, especially on the domestic front that, by extension, will inevitably create dissent in his inner-circle. Therefor, the likelihood of Mr. Putin intentionally starting a conflict with NATO is miniscule. NATO, on the other hand, will only directly engage the Russian military if one of their member states (under Article 5) is attacked by Russia and certainly have no desire whatsoever to initiate a war unless forced to do so by Mr. Putin's actions.
What then if Mr. Putin threatens to use nuclear weapons?
Of course this may come up, the Kremlin and Mr. Putin could very-well make vague and ambiguous threats about nuclear weapons. They have done so since Mr. Putin amassed troops on the Ukrainian border, so why would they not continue to do so if the situation requires? But only if beneficial - that is, to scare the West and create division and uncertainty in Western leadership in supplying military aid to Ukraine. The West must realize, submitting to Mr. Putin's nuclear threats will only embolden Mr. Putin to continue using those threats if he sees it works to his advantage, and will continue to do so if those threats prove effective. And the strange irony is, by submitting to Mr. Putin's nuclear threats it creates a scenario where, by its very nature, the more threats that are made the more chance there is of an unintentional misreading of intent or miscalculation that could very well result in an 'accidental' launching of a nuclear weapon.
Therefor it is imperative for the West not to react in a manner that promotes Mr. Putin's threats yet, at the same time, discourage Mr. Putin from making more threats by making it abundantly clear on the global stage that though nobody wishes for a nuclear confrontation and that the West will not initiate the use of such a weapon but, the West will react proportionately if Russia were to do so. Mr. Putin, and all other relevant parties must be reminded of the risks of making such highly-irresponsible nuclear threats, and the dire consequences for all parties involved if such weapons were to be used.
See: List of nuclear close calls.
Update - February 21, 2023: Mr. Putin suspends the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation, but likewise states it would continue to abide by the numerical limits in the treaty.
The Hypotheticals of a Russian Invasion
Let's imagine a scenario where Russia is invaded by a militarily more powerful neighbor and, that neighbor threatens other nations with nuclear weapons not to come to Russia's aid. Imagine without provocation and without any legal context or valid reason, other than to seize territory and realize the ambitions of a dictator, is the motivation behind that invasion. Where lies, falsehoods, and revisionist history is used to justify that invasion, topple the government, and kill, maim, and torture its citizens. Would one not consider that in any context a "Red Line" had been crossed? If this were to be Russia's fate, would it not outrage most of the world? Should most of the world not support Russia and its people if such a situation should arise? Would it not be correct to state, Russia has the God-given right to defend itself with whatever means possible and deserve all the international community's help it can get in doing so? Should people of any creed, belief, religious affiliation, political affiliation, or nationality, be outraged? Should it not be any individual's moral and ethical duty to condemn those invaders and the leader directly responsible for that invasion? - Absolutely!
Now, let's do away with the hypotheticals and apply all of the above to the reality of what has occurred in the sovereign nation of Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia on the 24th of February 2022. Has Russia not crossed every "Red Line" starting with the second they stepped on Ukrainian soil? And has Russia not continued to cross "Red Lines" in the days and months following by committing every war-crime imaginable? And people like Chancellor Scholz, and others, are afraid of provoking Mr. Putin for fear of crossing Mr. Putin's "Red Line" and escalating the war? Are you kidding me? The only one solely responsible for escalation is Mr. Putin himself, and has no qualms about crossing every "Red Line" imaginable, from basic human decency all the way to mass-murder and genocide. So, what then, according to some Western leaders, constitutes Mr. Putin's "Red Line" when he himself has none, and respects none? - See: CNN | Smerconish: 'Putin has no red lines': Ex-ambassador explains Putin's mindset
Fear Is the Mind-Killer
Putin thrives on the fear of others because he fears those who don't fear him. That is why he continues to wage a campaign of fear and propaganda on his own people, because he fears the effect an enlightened and emboldened Russian people will have on his hold on power. And the same applies to those in his government and in the opposition with ambitions to hold his position. Mr. Putin is well aware losing his hold on power will expose him to criminal prosecution and assassination inside of Russia by those who will now view him as a liability. And that is why Mr. Putin jails or assassinates people that cross him. He is sending a clear message by instilling fear in those even considering challenging him. It is therefor logical Mr. Putin will use this 'winning' strategy beyond Russia's borders. The assassinations he has ordered against Russian dissenters and other enemies around the world is an obvious message not only for Russians living in Russia and abroad but, for anybody who dares to defy him. Why do you think Russian assassins in the FSB use the nerve-agent Novichok? Novichok is a complex nerve agent that was developed at the state chemical research institute by the Soviet Union and Russia, and is not an agent one can simply acquire at your local drug-store or make in your home with a couple of household detergents. No, Mr. Putin wants the world to know it is he who is conducting those assassinations yet, will use reverse psychology and deny this if questioned in public. An obvious reference to this is when questioned at a press conference by international journalists on the poisoning of opposition-leader Alexei Navalny, Mr. Putin actually indirectly admitted he carried out the attempted assassination, and failed, by stating that, if it was the FSB, they would have been successful in killing him, on top of openly admitting Russian intelligence agents had been tracking Alexei Navalny's movements across the country.
Wikipedia: Navalny 35.
It is therefor absolutely imperative, knowing Mr. Putin's motivation and strategy of weaponizing fear, the West must counteract with the only means possible in defeating fear, which is strength through courage.
To quote Nelson Mandela: "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
Ultimately, the West must definitively decide if they want to see a victorious Ukraine, or not. If they want to see a victorious Ukraine, they must supply the Ukrainians with the weapons they need to do so, within valid reason, of course. But, that reason should not be dictated out of fear of Mr. Putin's threats, who is simply capitalizing on that fear and uncertainty because he fears what Ukraine could achieve with more advanced weapons in their hands. When Mr. Putin talks of escalation what he really means is the West supplying weapons to the Ukrainians is obstructing his military goals in Ukraine. The West, and especially Germany, must realize every delay costs more and more Ukrainian lives and is not only allowing the Russians the advantage of a protracted war but the opportunity for countries allied to Russia to become more actively involved in supporting Russia militarily that by that very support could result in an escalation of the war beyond Ukrainian borders. The West must also realize sending weapons to Ukraine is not an expense but, an investment in democracy, security, and stability in Europe, and ultimately, across the globe.
Update - January 24, 2023: Shortly after United States officials revealed that the Biden administration is finalizing plans to send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Der Spiegel reported German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has decided to deliver Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
Update: January 25, 2023: Germany comes through and officially announces that it will send their Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine - Germany's Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck states the decision to do so is "absolutely logical".... I'm sure the Ukrainians and other Western allies will surely agree.
Update: January 26, 2023: Predictably, in response to the decision by the West to send tanks to Ukraine, the Russians respond by launching missile and drone strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Just goes to prove, the Russian military is no different to criminal organizations like ISIS, who also have no regard for human life or common decency. I am sure this latest criminal act will only strengthen the Ukrainian people's resolve to defeat the barbaric invaders.
ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 26, 2023.
Why Ukraine Must Win the War in Ukraine and Why the West Must Help Ukraine in Doing So
I've heard a number of arguments from people questioning why the West should involve itself in what is a dispute between Russia and Ukraine? Why the West should spend tons of money to help Ukraine and at the same time risk an escalatory war in Europe, or even globally? The simple answer is, there really is no other choice.
Besides the moral obligation of 'it is the right thing to do' if your neighbor is brutally attacked for no valid reason, in a purely practical sense, the West helping Ukraine is not only in Ukraine's interest but, in the interest of any nation who wishes for global peace and security. Allowing an authoritarian Russia to succeed in invading and annexing territories, at will, will not only embolden Russia itself but, will also embolden those nations aligned with Russia who will see this as a greenlight to realize their own territorial ambitions and influence, especially other like-minded authoritarian nations who were previously confined by external political and military pressure who will now feel emboldened to break free from those confines with the help from their newly-strengthened Russian partner. Political structures work that way, nations inevitably partner with other nations that project strength and influence because they see that partnership as an opportunity to further their own agendas. Even nations historically non-aligned to Russia, either ideologically or politically, and who do not trust Russia, may feel forced to make compromises or side with Russia for fear in not doing so could have serious repercussions for the security and economic well-being of their own country or territory. And as a result, will empower Mr. Putin to continue to expand upon his geopolitical ambitions and authoritarian influence around the world.
Who Are Russia's Allies and Who Are Supporting Putin's Invasion of Ukraine?
The Hill: These 6 countries sided with Russia in UN vote on Ukraine war.
Kyiv Post: Who are Russia's Allies? A List of Countries Supporting the Kremlin's Invasion of Ukraine.
See: Human rights in Russia and human rights of Russian partners and supporters of the war in Ukraine:
China: Human rights in China.
Saudi Arabia: Human rights in Saudi Arabia.
Belarus: Human rights in Belarus.
North Korea: Human rights in North Korea.
Eritrea: Human rights in Eritrea.
Myanmar: Human rights in Myanmar.
Iran: Human rights in Iran.
Syria: Human rights in Syria.
Chechnya (A Republic of Russia): Human rights in Chechnya.
Mali: Human rights in Mali - P.S.: The best of the lot listed here, in so far as human rights are concerned... unless you have the misfortune to be born a girl, that is.
Cuba: Human rights in Cuba - CBC: Cornered in Ukraine and isolated by the West, the Kremlin returns to Cuba.
Nicaragua: Human rights in Nicaragua.
Venezuela: Human rights in Venezuela.
Armenia: Armenia 2021 Human Rights Report - Eurasianet: Tensions rise between Armenia, Russia.
I don't know about you, but I value the freedoms I have. When I view the oppression in the states listed above, I tend to appreciate what I have and what I stand to lose. What I don't understand though, are those living in the West that show support for these authoritarian regimes and their leaders and are very vocal in their anti-democratic and anti-West sentiment. Yet, at the same time reap the benefits of living in a free society and, would never dream of actually living in those authoritarian countries they support. The very idea of the fundamental rights and protections allowing citizens to be critical of their government and its institutions that many practice in the West and the very rights that allow people to display anti-democratic and anti-West sentiment are, ironically, the very rights that are completely absent in the oppressive authoritarian nations they so vehemently support and are the very regimes who inflict harsh punishments like torture, imprisonment, and execution on anyone who dares speak out or who are critical of them. Don't get me wrong, that is not to say governments and institutions in the West should not be criticized. Far from it. Constructive criticism is essential to awareness and change, to point out failures and shortcomings and hold leaders accountable for their actions and decisions, to better those institutions. And though governments and institutions in the West are far from perfect and there is always room for improvement, at least there are checks and balances, bad actors can be held accountable, and citizens can voice their disapproval without persecution, and vote for politicians they view are representative of their needs and concerns. Or, alternatively, to not vote for politicians who do not represent their needs - A phenomena that is totally absent from authoritarian regimes who can act with impunity in the knowledge that no citizen or existing independent body has the legal right or political means (besides a bloody uprising against the regime, that is), to oust them or hold them accountable for their actions.
What Putin Fears Most
Journal of Democracy: What Putin Fears Most.
The Problem of Inaction
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a great example of Russian territorial ambitions and the consequences of inaction when it comes to Russian aggression, where, at the time, a weakened Russia who recognized Ukrainian independence, were already plotting with the help of corrupt officials in the Ukrainian government and de-facto leaders in the separatist regions of Ukraine to eventually align with Russia and become part of its federation. However, realizing this and wanting to be a free, independent, and democratic nation aligned with the West, the vast majority of Ukrainian people began massive protests that resulted in what has since become known as the Revolution of Dignity, and where the corrupt Ukrainian president and Russian-puppet Viktor Yanukovych was ousted. Where, in response, realizing their nefarious plan had failed miserably, an angry Russia and their Russian-backed Ukrainian separatist comrades opted for a more direct approach and decided to invade Crimea and seize Ukrainian government buildings throughout the Donbas and illegally declare the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics as independent states that set into motion the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War and, by extension, the recent full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine - There is a very simple lesson to be learned here. Avoidance of a problem does not solve a problem but, on the contrary, avoidance of a problem only exacerbates that problem. And this simple philosophy can be applied not only to all facets of life but, also to the situation in Ukraine. Where Mr. Putin's invasion and illegal annexation of Crimea and military support for separatist forces in the Donbas region was met with little resistance from the global community that, as a result of that inaction, emboldened Mr. Putin to escalate the conflict and conduct a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and wage a war in Europe the likes of which has not been seen since World War II -
And now we have a really big problem.
Putin's Failed Gamble
Though the war in Ukraine is very dynamic and things can change on a day to day basis, a more positive side to the events that proceeded the defining 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, is for one, the tenacity and bravery of the Ukrainians. Many military experts, both in Russia and the West, thought the Russian military would conquer Ukraine in a matter of days or weeks. And now, almost a year on, not only has Putin's military 'presently' been stopped in its tracks but, the Ukrainians have managed to take back large swathes of their territory. And to add to this; though moving cautiously forward, the West appears to be showing more and more support for the Ukrainians. The ending of the deadlock involving tanks being sent to Ukraine is a major development that cannot be underestimated and highlights the fact that the West is becoming more and more aware supplying weapons to Ukraine is not only essential to the survival of Ukraine as a sovereign democratic state but, a victorious Ukraine is also imperative to peace and stability in the region.
Not only did Mr. Putin severely underestimate the Ukrainian resolve, but he also underestimated the resolve and unity of the West. Mr. Putin's gamble that the West would fall apart thankfully, as of writing, has not come to fruition. To be totally honest, I too was expecting major cracks in the alliance by now, but to the West's credit they have "thus far" held the line. Mr. Putin's belief based on the West's inaction of the past and his calculus pertaining to the political, cultural, and ideological divisions in Europe and the United States, the West's economic ties to Russia, the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the weakness of the West's organizations and institutions, and a basic fear of Russian might, would split the West but, did anything but. In a weird twist, thanks to Mr. Putin's criminal actions, besides unifying the West, institutions previously viewed as redundant are now viewed as essential. A great example of this is NATO (established on the 4th of April 1949), that many saw as weak and obsolete and wanting to see it abandoned, have since concluded it remains a relevant organization. And the same applies to the United Nations and the European Union. Though far from perfect and, as with any other organization or institution, there is always room for improvement, those organizations and institutions are proving indispensable as a unified force in the fight for everything a free society holds dear. I hope this unity holds.
Russia's War on Ukraine, One Year On: February 24, 2023
CNN Special Report: Russian Invasion of Ukraine: A timeline of key events on the 1st anniversary of the war.
Weakness "Is" Lethal
Institute for the Study of War: Weakness is Lethal: Why Putin Invaded Ukraine and How the War Must End.
Update - 3 October 2023: Cracks Begin to Appear in Western Support of Ukraine
Yes folks, it appears Mr. Putin's strategy of a protracted war in Ukraine is starting to bear fruit. Western support of Ukraine is starting to crack thanks to fiery rhetoric and misinformation from a number of politicians seeking election or re-election, who are capitalizing on the thorny domestic issue of economic support for Ukraine, and a general feeling of war-fatigue among their constituents. Some even critical of what they view as a lack of progress by the Ukrainian military in their counteroffensive against the Russian invaders, when the very reason the Ukrainian counteroffensive has had limited success is as a direct result of the West dragging its feet in supplying weapons to the Ukrainians when they had the initiative on the battlefield, giving the Russians ample time to lay expansive defensive lines and re-strategize to counteract the pending Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Human nature dictates that the longer the war in Ukraine drags on, the general public in countries not directly involved in fighting that war become desensitized and start to question the validity of their government's support thereof, and where ambitious politicians are more than willing to exploit this phenomena for personal political gain. However, we must not lose sight of the fundamental reasons why the West chose to support Ukraine in the first place and what the wider implications will be for the West if Ukraine were to lose the war.
The Guardian: As the war in Ukraine grinds on, western support is beginning to crack.
Politico: Ukraine puts on brave face as West goes wobbly.
Counteracting Mr. Putin's "Big Lies"
In order to justify his illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Putin has engaged in a multitude of false narratives and "Big Lies". And has continued to do so up until now. Though Mr. Putin seeks to convince a foreign audience in justifying his actions, the main focus of Mr. Putin's lies is to justify his actions to a domestic audience, and in doing so proves Mr. Putin's greatest fear is not the West or NATO but, dissention within Russia. Not only does the Russian state control all media, and banned or restricted all independent media but, have implemented laws with heavy fines and imprisonment for any party or individual that is critical of the regime or the Russian military. So, one has to ask oneself why, if the Russian state has nothing to hide and are telling the truth, have they imposed all these bans and restrictions on its citizens? The answer to that question is quite obvious, Mr. Putin fears the truth will expose the blatant lies of his illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine and turn public opinion against him, and thus threaten his presidency. It really is just as simple as that.
Have you noticed, prior to Mr. Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Putin concentrated more on false narratives pertaining to Ukraine itself like; the Ukrainians pose an existential threat to Russia, the Ukrainians are Nazis, the Ukrainians are committing genocide, the Ukrainians are working on an atomic bomb, the Ukrainians are working on biological weapons with the United States, the Ukrainians are infecting birds with a deadly virus, the Ukrainians want to invade Russia, the Ukrainians are not honoring the Minsk agreements, the Ukrainian government is a terrorist group who came to power through a coup, the Ukrainians are Satanists waging a campaign against the church and religion, the Ukrainians want to be part of Russia but the Ukrainian government is preventing this, the Ukrainians are actually Russians, the Ukrainians have no right to exist, etc... etc... etc...
However, once the West started to help Ukraine, the false narratives grew in scope. All done to paint a picture that the West is the aggressor so that Russia can take the moral high-ground and claim Russia is acting in self-defense. According to Mr. Putin, the West poses an existential threat to Russia because the West hates the Russian people and wants to destroy Russia. Mr Putin also claims he invaded Ukraine pre-emptively to ward off aggression from NATO, and that the West is arming and using Ukraine as a proxy to claim Russian territory. - My goodness gracious me, what a load of B.S.! I'm sorry people, is there really anyone out there naive enough to believe this hokey-pokey? The truth is, Mr. Putin is using lies and deception as a means to justify sending more and more Russian people to fight and die in a war of his making and one he feels he cannot get out of without a victory, and have the Russian people believe sacrificing their lives is the honorable thing to do in a noble struggle that is imperative in defending the Motherland and its citizens from the evil Nazi invaders from the West. Have you noticed, Mr. Putin continues to use the false equivalence of comparing his invasion of Ukraine to the Great Patriotic War waged against Nazi Germany after the Nazis invaded Russia, when it is Russia that is the actual aggressor and invader like the Nazis were, and is using the exact-same false pretext of acting pre-emptively just like the Nazis did when they started World War II by invading Poland and claiming they had to do so pre-emptively to ward off aggression from Poland. And all done because, for shame, Mr. Putin fears losing in Ukraine may jeopardize his presidency - It doesn't take an expert to realize, in reality, Mr. Putin is just a paranoid little-man who is fearful of the repercussions of losing his strong-man image. And there are people who still support Mr. Putin and view him as a strong leader? Really, folks?
Therefor, in view of the above, the West really needs to make a concerted effort to counteract Mr. Putin's "Big Lies" through an equally robust "Big Truth". Leaders in the West need to truly get the message through that although they disapprove of Mr. Putin's aggressive actions and have to take measures to counteract that aggression, the West has nothing against the Russian people and do not want to do the Russian people harm. And that the West is only interested in helping Ukraine defend themselves and their homeland, have no territorial ambitions, and no designs, whatsoever, to escalate the war by invading Russia but only wish for Russia to return its military to Russia, and thus end this war. The Russian people must be made to understand Mr. Putin initiated the war in Ukraine and can end it just the same. This message has to be repeated ad nauseum across all news outlets and by every town crier they can muster. And even though much of this messaging will not fall on Russian ears because of harsh censorship in Russia, if repeated long enough and frequently enough, some of those messages will eventually fall through the cracks and reach a vast number of Russian people who are in doubt about the intentions of the West but, who also wish for an end to this war and want to live in peace, just like those people in the West.
Wikipedia: Russian information war against Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Propaganda in Russia - Firehose of falsehood.
Wikipedia: Media freedom in Russia.
Wikipedia: Internet censorship in Russia.
Wikipedia: Mass surveillance in Russia.
What Could Come Next? Assessing the Putin Regime's Stability and Western Policy Options
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies: What Could Come Next? Assessing the Putin Regime's Stability and Western Policy Options. - Director
- Writer
- Producer
Alexei Navalny was born on 4 June 1976 in Butyn, Moscow Oblast, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia]. He was a director and writer, known for Navalny (2022), The Case Is Solved. I Know Everyone Who Tried to Kill Me (2020) and Parazity (2020). He was married to Yulia Navalnaya. He died on 16 February 2024 in FKU IK-3 Prison, Kharp, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia."The Only Thing Necessary for Evil Men to Triumph in the World is that Good Men do Nothing"
Political nemesis and most outspoken critic of the Putin regime who was murdered in a Russian prison on February 16, 2024.
Don't you find it strange that Mr. Putin with his (supposedly) phenomenally high approval rating in Russia is so fearful of his political rivals and critics? Why is Russia's most beloved tyrant so intent on murdering, jailing, and disallowing those that may pose even a fraction of a threat to his presidency from competing against him if he were so popular? And why does he continue to impose laws with severe punishments on Russian citizens who voice any criticism against him or his policies? The answer to that is very simple and just as obvious as it has always been: Mr. Putin is afraid and engulfed by paranoia. He is scared somebody may jeopardize his hold on power. However, at the same time, Mr. Putin is also aware of the potential political and constitutional implications if he were to simply declare himself dictator of Russia - which in actual fact, is what he already is. (Putin's circumvention of the Constitution of Russia that limits an individual's term in holding political office is glaring proof Putin has no desire whatsoever to give up the presidency. Mr. Putin is exempt from presidential term limits until 2036 when he will turn 84 on October 7 of that year, which gives him ample time to once again circumvent the constitution if need be). So, to counteract this reality, Mr. Putin creates the illusion of the Russian federal republic as a multi-party representative democracy that "abides by the law of the land". Where he will once again extend his term as president in 2024 as chosen in a "free and fair" election and as dictated by the beloved masses in Russia. Where, when he wins (and win he will), can declare himself the legitimate leader of Russia because that is what the Russian people demand of him. So, the rationale is, even if he murders opponents, or invades sovereign countries, Mr. Putin can justify his actions because he has the approval of the Russian people - as evidenced by the millions that voted for him and, by extension, his expansionist policies. And to add insult upon injury, millions across Russia actually believe Mr. Putin is acting in the best interests of the Russian Federation and, as such, continue the very support fundamental to Mr. Putin's absolute hold on power and oppression of the Russian people, including the very people that support him. Go figure? The truth is, contrary to the belief of his supporters who state Putin is a strong leader who cares for Russia and its people, in reality, Mr. Putin is a fearful little man who cares for no one, friend and foe alike. He is a textbook example of an extreme narcissist with psychopathic traits whose condition is fueled by fear and paranoia. When necessary, he will use both friend and foe for his own benefit and dispose of even his closest friends if they were to become a liability or a potential threat to his hold on power, and that includes the Russian people themselves. And as shocking as it is, it comes as no surprise, figure of resistance to Putinism, Alexei Navalny, who continued to pose a political threat to Putin's Russia even while imprisoned in the most infamous and remote penal colony in Russia, was eliminated barely a month before the 2024 Russian presidential election. Any hope that may reside in the minds of those Russian people wishing for a change to the status quo and a better future for Russia must be extinguished at all costs. To quote Putin's inspirational, cynical mentor Joseph Stalin: "Death solves all problems, no man, no problem."
The tragedy of Navalny's death is not only a tragedy for Russia and what it could've been but, for the world as a whole. A man who was not only the antithesis of Putin as a man and leader but embraced the universal principles of justice and freedom for his people that every freedom-loving and patriotic individual around the world should embrace, regardless of your political affiliation. I hope his courage and strength of conviction will resonate and inspire not only those in Russia but for all those living under oppression around the world to follow his example.
Wikipedia: Alexei Navalny.
Wikipedia: Poisoning of Alexei Navalny - August 20, 2020
Wikipedia: Death and funeral of Alexei Navalny - The very fact that on 1 March 2024 thousands of Russian mourners came out into the streets in Moscow to honor Alexei Navalny's legacy and in protest of the current regime, proves that, within Russia itself, people are longing for something better. A Russia without Putin and a government that does not serve its own self-interests but, is representative of the Russian people. Logic dictates, if thousands attended the funeral of Navalny, even under threat of imprisonment, there is a far greater number of people who share the same sentiments but decided to keep quiet and stay at home for fear of severe reprisals.
Hope remains.
"Russia of the Future" Alexei Navalny's Political Party
Wikipedia: Russia of the Future.- Born in 7 October 1952 is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has been serving as the president of Russia since 2012, and previously between 2000 and 2008. He also served as the prime minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000, and again from 2008 to 2012.
Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel (podpolkovnik), before resigning in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. He moved to Moscow in 1996 to join the administration of president Boris Yeltsin. He briefly served as director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and secretary of the Security Council, before being appointed as prime minister in August 1999. After the resignation of Yeltsin, Putin became acting president and, less than four months later, was elected outright to his first term as president. He was reelected in 2004. As he was constitutionally limited to two consecutive terms as president at the time, Putin served as prime minister again from 2008 to 2012 under Dmitry Medvedev. He returned to the presidency in 2012 in an election marred by allegations of fraud and protests and was reelected in 2018. In April 2021, following a referendum, he signed into law constitutional amendments including one that would allow him to run for reelection twice more, potentially extending his presidency to 2036.
During his first tenure as president, the Russian economy grew on average by seven percent per year, following economic reforms and a fivefold increase in the price of oil and gas. He also led Russia during a war against Chechen separatists, reestablishing federal control of the region. As prime minister under Medvedev, he oversaw military reform and police reform, as well as Russia's victory in its war against Georgia. During his third term as president, Russia annexed Crimea and sponsored a war in eastern Ukraine with several military incursions made, resulting in international sanctions and a financial crisis in Russia. He also ordered a military intervention in Syria against rebel and jihadist groups.[16] During his fourth term as president, he presided over a military buildup on the border of Ukraine. Putin accused the Ukrainian government of committing atrocities against its Russian-speaking minority, and in February 2022, he ordered a full-scale invasion of the country, resulting in numerous atrocities and leading to widespread international condemnation, as well as expanded sanctions and calls for Putin to be pursued with war crime charges.
Under Putin's leadership, Russia has experienced democratic backsliding and a shift to authoritarianism. Putin's rule has been characterised by endemic corruption, the jailing and repression of political opponents, the intimidation and suppression of independent media in Russia, and a lack of free and fair elections. Putin's Russia has scored poorly on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index, and Freedom House's Freedom in the World index. Putin is the second-longest currently serving European president after Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus.The Godfather Himself - Part 5 - The Family that Slays Together, Stays Together
Wikipedia: Vladimir Putin.
Open Minds Institute - All Reports - Psychological Analysis and Attitudes of Russian Society
OMI: All Reports.
The 2024 Russian Presidential Election: March 15 - 17, 2024
Wow! 88% of the vote. Good golly miss Molly, according to this statistic Mr. Putin is even more popular than Taylor Swift! And she is very, very popular. Why is that?
Is it because Mr. Putin is such a strong leader who is so scared of his political opponents that he needs to ban them, jail them, or kill them?
Or, is it because he believes in free and fair elections when the only one on the ballot (besides a few purposefully placed government puppets) is himself?
Or, is it because he loves his people so much he needs to oppress them, intimidate them, threaten them, and jail them even for the smallest of criticisms?
Or, is it because he is such a great military tactician who illegally invaded a much smaller country who posed no threat to his nation and failed?
Or, is it because he inspires patriotism and national pride by invading and killing his neighbors at the cost of hundreds of thousands of Russian lives and trillions in taxpayer money?
Or, is it because he is making Russia great again by making Russia a pariah on the world stage by waging wars of aggression on sovereign countries and joining forces with the most notorious dictators and criminal strongmen on the planet like; Ramzan Kadyrov, Alexander Lukashenko, Isaias Afwerki, Bashar al-Assad, Ebrahim Raisi, Ali Khamenei, Daniel Ortega, Nicolás Maduro, Min Aung Hlaing, Xi Jinping, and last but certainly not least, Kim Jong Un?
Or, is it because he is providing security for Russians by making sworn enemies of previously friendly nations and failing to act on warnings of an imminent terrorist attack at the cost of innocent Russian lives?
Or, is it because of his unifying foreign-policy where he continues to brag about his nuclear arsenal and how he will use it on other nations if they interfere with him getting his own way?
Or, is it because of his awe-inspiring macho image that is so ridiculous it would make even the Zucker brothers proud?
Or, is it because he is such a tough-guy who gets his goons to do his dirty-work for him and then denies any involvement?
Or, is it because he relates to the working-class man with his yachts, palaces, resorts, and trillions he has stolen from the Russian people?
Or, is it because he provides for the economic wellbeing of the Russian people by allowing for massive corruption in his inner circle, spending trillions of rubles on boosting his military for a war of his own making and being responsible for widespread sanctions implemented against Russia?
Or, is it because he has proven himself such a great custodian of the Christian faith by exploiting the Russian Orthodox Church to inspire extreme Christian nationalism and aggression against sovereign nations through revanchist politics and religious fundamentalism?
Or, is it because he is such an exemplary God-fearing Jesus-loving conservative Christian who persecutes minorities, murders, tortures, lies, cheats, and steals?
Or, could it be that he believes in good old-fashioned family values by having affairs with younger women, bombing kindergartens and maternity hospitals (Pregnant woman, baby die after Russian bombing in Mariupol), and traumatizing, orphaning, murdering, torturing, raping, indoctrinating, and abducting children from their rightful families?
Or, is it all of the above?
Can somebody please tell me why this guy is so popular? I'm sorry my dear Russian comrades who actually voted for this guy, I just don't get it? I really don't.
Wikipedia: 2024 Russian presidential election.
Meduza: Putin 2024 Meduza breaks down the evidence pointing to the most fraudulent elections in modern Russian history.
Open Minds Institute: The Future Of Russia's Politics: A Democracy?
The Conversation: The West can't solve its Russia problem. Here's how it should handle 6 more years of Vladimir Putin.
The Crocus City Hall Attack: March 22, 2024
Wikipedia: Crocus City Hall attack.
Predictably, Mr. Putin, in response to the horrendous terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow has laid blame on the Ukrainian government for the atrocity. However, besides the fact Mr. Putin has no evidence to support this claim, and Islamic State - Khorasan Province has claimed responsibility for the attack, Mr. Putin is attempting to not only distract from what is an obvious security failure on his part but, is also taking advantage of the situation to bolster support for his illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine.
The fact that Mr. Putin only addressed the nation the day after the attack in Moscow is revealing. The reason for this delay is quite obvious. Mr. Putin not only needed to be briefed on the details of the attack but, needed to consult with his subordinates how to make the most of a bad situation and exploit the situation to benefit himself and his cronies. A strategy needed to divert public attention away from his embarrassing security failures and promote and justify his war of choice in Ukraine by blaming the Ukrainians without any evidence and labeling them terrorists that, by the very nature of terrorism on the human psyche, will rally people in support of their leader against the "perceived" terrorists in Kyiv and by extension, the war in Ukraine. Done so that Mr. Putin can continue with his terror campaign unabated, and with the blessing of the Russian people to murder men, women, and children in Ukraine. Falsely blaming Ukraine by associating them with a notorious terrorist organization like IS-KP not only legitimizes the war in Ukraine to continue so as to protect Russian citizens from an ongoing threat but, confirms that Mr. Putin was right to invade Ukraine because Ukraine poses an existential threat to Russia and must be eliminated to prevent further terrorist attacks. Exposing the fact that the real threat lies not in Ukraine but on Russia's southern border, that stretches for a total of 22,407 kilometers (13,923 miles), creates a major dilemma for Mr. Putin. Mr. Putin will have to defend a second front that would require a massive amount of resources that will impede the fight in Ukraine, where Russia continues to struggle to win small swathes of territory at great cost to man and equipment.
Using a strategy to invade territory motivated by terrorist attacks within Russia is not new to Mr. Putin where back in 1999 he used the bombing of apartment blocks in Russia as a trigger to start the Second Chechen War that in turn boosted his popularity and helped him attain the presidency.
Don't you find it strange, in his address to the Russian public on March 23, 2024, Mr. Putin conveniently made no mention of intelligence given by the United States of an imminent terrorist attack in Russia that he dismissed three days prior as "outright blackmail and an attempt by the U.S. to intimidate and destabilize Russian society". And to add; Mr. Putin also conveniently failed to mention IS-KP had not only claimed responsibility for the attack but also published photographic and video evidence in support thereof.
Foreign Policy Research Institute: Crocus City Hall Concert Attack.
Why Would Islamic State Attack Russia?
The Conversation: Why would Islamic State attack Russia and what does this mean for the terrorism threat globally?
The Diplomat: Crocus City Hall Attack: Deciphering Central Asian Jihadism and Russian Counterterrorism.
Besides the fact that Russia, with Mr. Putin's knowledge and approval is committing terrorist acts on a daily basis in Ukraine, the very idea that the Ukrainian government would plan such an attack makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. How could Ukraine possibly benefit from such an attack? Where is the logic? The repercussions would be immense. Not only would it severely damage international opinion but could seriously impede crucial military support from the West that is already in short supply. Just imagine what the political implications for the Ukrainian government would be if the government sided with a radical terrorist organization whose intentions are to create a global caliphate and whose enemies are everyone that does not believe in their ideology? And that includes not just Russia but the entire West. In view of this, it comes as no surprise the Kremlin, with the support of its media affiliates are doing everything in their power to put the blame on Ukraine. Their motives are threefold; impede political support and military aid from the West, bolster support for the war in Ukraine, and divert attention away from both a glaring security failure and the actual threat to Russian security, which is neither NATO nor Ukraine but, radical Islamist groups in Central-Asian countries bent on revenge for Russia's military involvement in countries such as Afghanistan and Syria.
Wikipedia: "Latvia-based news outlet Meduza reported that pro-government and state-funded media in Russia were instructed by the Russian government to highlight possible "traces" of Ukrainian involvement. Shortly after the attack, the pro-Kremlin Russian television station NTV broadcast an edited video using audio deepfaking that suggested Ukrainian involvement in the terrorist attack."
Meduza: Financial Times: poll shows over half of Russians believe Kyiv behind deadly terrorist attack in Moscow.
The Daily Beast: Useful Idiots in America Are Helping to Spread Putin's Lies About Moscow Terror Attack.
It is common knowledge one of the main reasons Mr. Putin has so much support inside of Russia is because he provides security for its citizens. The war in Ukraine spun as necessary to provide for that security to prevent an imminent Ukrainian/Nazi invasion supported by its evil enablers in the West using their demonic NATO forces to invade and kill innocent Russians and take their land. In other words, the narrative Mr. Putin is spinning is that he had to invade Ukraine pre-emptively so as to protect Russian citizens and guarantee their security. But the irony is, not only was Ukraine not a threat to Russian security (unless you view a nation that wants to be free as a threat like Putin does) but, as a result of Mr. Putin attacking a friendly nation without any reason other than personal ambition and political survival, he has, in doing so, made Russia less secure in the process.
For example;
1. The Wagner Group rebellion that nearly resulted in the toppling of the Putin regime and a potential civil war in Russia was as a direct result of factors directly related to the war in Ukraine.
2. The very fact that hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers have lost their lives in the Ukrainian war leaves less soldiers to protect Russia's borders. Especially in regard to experienced soldiers who will have to be replenished by less effective younger recruits with no combat experience.
3. As a direct result of Russian aggression, Ukraine is now legitimately attacking targets inside of Russia that have been safe from external aggression since the end of World War II.
4. Mr. Putin has, by his own hand, made enemies of numerous countries across the planet, including economic partners who previously displayed no animosity to the Russian Federation but who have now severed those partnerships, which equates to economic insecurity for Russia.
5. To continue his war of choice Mr. Putin has significantly increased Russia's military expenditure. Money that could have been spent on the public sector to improve the lives of Russian citizens. The draft federal budget for 2024 indicates a 68% surge in defense expenditures compared to 2023. That means an allocation of up to 10.77 trillion rubles ($111.04 billion) on military expenditure proposed for 2024.
6. As an influential global military organization NATO has been strengthened by Mr. Putin's aggression in Ukraine with Sweden and Finland, who historically preferred to remain neutral, joining NATO as a direct result of that aggression.
7. As a result of waging a war on a nation that posed no threat to Russia, Russia has concentrated its forces on its western borders leaving its southern border, where an actual threat exists, exposed to infiltration by terrorists to conduct attacks inside Russia.
8. As a result of the extensive use of resources like the police and security services required for civilian protection but used instead to conduct operations in Ukraine and oppress the Russian people has left Russia vulnerable.
9. The use of hundreds of thousands of young Russian conscripts that could have contributed to the labor market where, to make up for this ongoing workforce short-coming and economic dilemma, Russia allows for migrant workers to freely enter Russian territory from throughout Central Asia and the Caucasus. Conditions that provide for a perfect opportunity for terrorist organizations to exploit and use as cover to infiltrate and settle old scores inside of Russia proper, as evidenced in the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow on 22 March 2024.
Financial Times: How Ukraine war distracted Moscow from ISIS-K threat.
Wikipedia: On 24 March 2024, Russian State Duma member Mikhail Sheremet (United Russia) called for the introduction of a total ban on immigration until Russia finishes its "special military operation," as the Kremlin calls its invasion of Ukraine. According to Sheremet, any foreigner entering Russia could be suspected to be a terrorist or saboteur.
VOA News: Central Asians in Russia Face Backlash After IS-K Terror Attack.
Update: March 31, 2024 - Reuters: Putin signs decree on spring military conscription.
In view of the above, it is therefore imperative for Mr. Putin to propagandize the Crocus City Hall attack. Mr. Putin certainly does not want the Russian people to come to the realization that insecurity and economic hardship in Russia is as a direct result of his decision to wage war on a nation that posed no security threat to Russia and a war he continues to invest in at the expense of the very lives and livelihoods of its citizens when an actual threat lies elsewhere.
Update: March 25, 2024 - Mr. Putin openly admits "Radical Islamists" conducted the terrorist attack in Moscow. The evidence is so overwhelming how could he not, even by the Kremlin's standards of distorting the truth, however... true to form, and without any evidence to back up his claim, Mr. Putin still claims Ukraine is behind the attack and his subordinates are towing the line. Oh well, I guess Mr. Putin can still order his security-service thugs to force a false confession from the already battered Tajik perpetrators or fabricate evidence incriminating the Ukrainians, if need be.
Vox: Moscow terror attack: ISIS-K takes responsibility but Putin looks at Ukraine.
Euromaidan Press: Crocus City Hall: incompetence or deliberate failure of Russian security?
Debunking False Claims About the Moscow Concert Hall Attack
Wikipedia: Crocus City Hall attack.
Logically Facts: Debunking false claims about the Moscow concert hall attack.
Radio Free Europe: Lukashenka Contradicts Putin's Claim About Concert Hall Attackers' Escape Plan.
Reuters: Exclusive: Iran alerted Russia to security threat before Moscow attack - See: 2024 Kerman bombings.
Ukrainska Pravda: US warned Kremlin that terrorists would target Crocus City Hall - Washington Post. - Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the 6th president of Ukraine. Before entering politics, he was a comedian, actor, screenwriter, film producer, and director.
Prior to his political career, he obtained a degree in law and created a production company, Kvartal 95, which produces films, cartoons, TV comedy shows, including Servant of the People (2015), in which Zelenskiy played the role of President of Ukraine. A political party bearing the same name as the television show was created in March 2018 by employees of Kvartal 95.
Zelenskiy announced his candidacy for the 2019 Ukrainian presidential election on the evening of 31 December 2018, alongside the New Year's Eve address of President Petro Poroshenko on 1+1 TV Channel. At the time, Zelenskiy had already been one of the front-runners in opinion polls for the election. Zelenskiy won the election with 73.22% of the vote in the second round, defeating Poroshenko.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy - Putin's Arch-Enemy and a Symbol of Ukrainian Resistance
Wikipedia: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Outline of the Russo-Ukrainian War
Wikipedia: Outline of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
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Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Timeline of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: February 24, 2022 - Present
Wikipedia: Timeline of the prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine Conflict Updates - Institute for the Study of War
ISW: Ukraine Conflict Updates.
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Understanding the Russo-Ukrainian War
War on the Rocks: Understanding the Russo-Ukrainian War: A Guide from War on the Rocks.
Ukraine War Analysis and News
Geopolitical Monitor: Ukraine War analysis and news.
Ukraine Conflict Monitor
ACLED: Ukraine Conflict Monitor.
UkraineAlert
Atlantic Council: UkraineAlert.
War in Ukraine: Official Website
MFA of Ukraine: War in Ukraine.
War in Ukraine | Tackling the Policy Challenges
OECD: War in Ukraine | Tackling the policy challenges.
Conflict in Ukraine | Global Conflict Tracker
Council on Foreign Relations: Conflict in Ukraine.
Think Tank Reports on the Invasion of Ukraine
Consilium: Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia's War in Ukraine
RAND: Russia's War in Ukraine: Insights from RAND.
Russia's War in Ukraine - Expert Analysis & Commentary
Taylor & Francis: Russia's War in Ukraine - Expert Analysis & Commentary.
Russia's Invasion of Ukraine - Latest News
Amnesty International: Russia's invasion on Ukraine - Latest News.
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A Lesson from Ukraine
One of the major lessons one can take away from the Russian invasion of Ukraine is just how fragile our freedoms are and what we stand to lose. The very idea of a budding democratic nation, like Ukraine, being invaded by an authoritarian regime, and very nearly losing the very freedoms they worked so hard for, and died for, in a blink of an eye, should be a wake-up call for all of us.
Not only have the Ukrainian people showed great fortitude against the Russian invaders but, as a nation, have displayed many qualities that appear lost or redundant in other democratic nations. Their resilience, bravery, and love of nation cannot be questioned, and should be a lesson to us all. And I'm not talking about state-sponsored indoctrination and propaganda that leads to blind patriotism and extreme nationalism displayed by authoritarian nations like Russia but, a genuine desire to make for a better nation through active participation in the democratization process and protection of the freedoms that it embraces.
In view of the tragedy played out in real time of the untold misery and suffering inflicted on the Ukrainian people, and the thousands of innocent lives lost and the many thousands more innocent lives that will be lost before the war in Ukraine becomes a thing of history, I do not want to romanticize this conflict but, one cannot help but feel inspired by the courageous fight the Ukrainian people have waged against the brutal and unjustified assault on their nation and its people. Their resolve to win back their nation, the underdog who stood up against a far superior and overwhelming force, is often a thing only seen or read in fiction.
Though this war is far from over, and one cannot predict with any certainty how it will end, I hope the Ukrainians get all the support they deserve in their noble struggle to reclaim their country, and prove to the world, that once in a while, good 'can' triumph over evil.
"Never give up, never despair" - "Slava Ukraini! - Glory to Ukraine!"
"If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine." - Antony Blinken
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Ukraine Conflict Updates - Institute for the Study of War
ISW: Ukraine Conflict Updates.
The High Price of Losing Ukraine
ISW: The High Price of Losing Ukraine
The High Price of Losing Ukraine: Part 2 - The Military Threat and Beyond
ISW: The High Price of Losing Ukraine: Part 2 - The Military Threat and Beyond
2024 Preview: The West Must Decide if it Wants Ukraine to Win
Atlantic Council: 2024 preview: The West must decide if it wants Ukraine to win.
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Update February 17, 2024: Fall of Avdiivka - The Cost of Not Supplying Ukraine with Much Needed Weapons and Ammunition
As was predicted for many months thanks to Europe and the United States dragging its feet in supplying military aid to Ukraine, the Russians have taken the initiative and successfully captured the strategically important city of Avdiivka. Their greatest success since the capture of Bakhmut in May of 2023.
Regardless of Russian losses in the capture of the city, Mr. Putin is heralding the win as a decisive victory, opening the door to further advances by the Russian military. Not only is this a victory on the battlefield and a major morale booster for Russian soldiers but, is a major propaganda victory for Mr. Putin on the domestic front, especially in regards to the upcoming presidential election, where Mr. Putin will undoubtedly win over supporters skeptical of where the war is heading and gain renewed support for it to continue.
Though winning a battle does not mean winning a war, Russia's success in Avdiivka does have consequences. Coupled with the loss itself and the West's failure to adequately supply the Ukrainians the weapons and ammunition imperative to fight the Russians will definitely have the effect of demoralizing Ukrainian troops on the frontline, making them a less effective fighting force. The consequences of that will mean even more losses on the battlefield and more territory in the hands of the Russians, which in turn will not only make the Ukrainians' job much harder but, they will need even more support from the West than initially needed so as to win back even more territory captured by the Russians. This harks back to the much anticipated but unsuccessful 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive where if Ukraine was given the weapons and ammunition when they had the initiative instead of waiting far too long to receive the much-needed equipment and implement the counteroffensive, Russia would not have had the time to regroup and build massive defensive lines in anticipation of that counteroffensive.
The bottom line is half-measures don't cut it. The West and the United States must decide if they want to help Ukraine all-in or allow Ukraine to fall to the Russians. There is no middle-ground in this conflict where a determined Russia will seize on every opportunity to achieve their goal of conquering Ukraine in its entirety. Already Russia is taking advantage of the political stalemate in the U.S. congress in supplying military aid to Ukraine by bombing critical infrastructure and intensifying assaults on Ukrainian positions across the frontline.
Wikipedia: Battle of Avdiivka (2022-2024).
Wikipedia: The villages of Lastochkyne, Stepove, and Sieverne, falls on 24 February 2024.
As an American in Avdiivka, What is Congress Doing? - John Roberts
The Kyiv Independent: Opinion: As an American in Avdiivka, what is congress doing?
AP News: With Ukraine aid at stake, Speaker Johnson tested by far right.
The Kyiv Independent: Why some far-right Republicans are hell bent on ending further aid to Ukraine.
Update April 11, 2024: Due to a Complete Lack of Missiles to Defend It, the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant in Kyiv Oblast is Permanently Disabled
Wikipedia: Trypilska thermal power plant.
Update April 23, 2024: Kremlin Conducts Information Operation Against Kharkiv to Make Ukrainians Flee the City
Ukrainska Pravda: Kremlin conducts information operation against Kharkiv to make Ukrainians flee the city - ISW.
"We Are in the Middle of World War III, but Western Leaders are Denying Reality, as in the Time of Hitler"
European Pravda: "We are in the middle of World War III, but Western leaders are denying reality, as in the time of Hitler."
Yes folks, things are not looking very optimistic for Ukraine and the collective West.
Mr. Putin's strategy of waiting for Western support for Ukraine to subside is bearing fruit. Where leaders in the West are still quibbling among themselves on a comprehensive plan to support Ukraine and which weapons may or may not be sent to assist the Ukrainians so as not to make Mr. Putin angry, while Mr. Putin is acquiring vast amounts of weapons and military technology from countries such as Iran, North Korea, and China unhampered by any restraint in acquiring or using those weapons on Ukraine or any significant push-back from the West.
To add to this dilemma, political dysfunction in the United States in supplying much needed aid to Ukraine has faltered in the House of Representatives and has been an ongoing issue for far too long (See: Mike Johnson - Russian invasion of Ukraine). I guess political whims and holding on to your job is far more important than helping an ally who is facing an existential crisis, and one that was given the assurance that support was unwavering and ironclad. On the meeting with speaker of the house Mike Johnson (to secure his job) and Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Donald Trump has even suggested a land-for-peace deal, where Ukraine would have to give up invaded and illegally occupied territory to the Russians. Just think about it folks; not only is that an insult to all the Ukrainian soldiers who gave up their lives defending that territory and the civilians who lost their lives and homes but, what Mr. Trump is saying is that if you are a bad actor and illegally invade, murder, and occupy a sovereign country you should be rewarded for doing so. And please, anybody who states this is a means to a peaceful settlement is delusional to the extreme. The effect this will have will not only be to embolden Mr. Putin to invade more territory and weaken the U.S. but, inspire other bad actors to follow suit when they realize there are no negative repercussions for their actions but, on the contrary, are actually rewarded for doing so. And make no mistake, enemies of the United States (and other democratic nations) are taking note and are analyzing how the West responds to external (and internal aggression) and adjusting their strategy to take advantage of any weaknesses that may come to the fore. Taiwan, anybody? Just imagine, my dear American friends, what if (God-forbid) Russia decides to invade Alaska (or by extension, Canada for that matter), would you agree to Russia keeping those territories so as to avoid a conflict? Would you support your president if he suggested giving up that territory to appease the aggressor?... knowing a little bit about Americans, I'll take a chance here and state; "No effing way, Jose!" So why should our Ukrainian ally bravely defending global democracy and standing up for the very ideals the United States stands for be coerced into doing so?
Washington Post: Inside Donald Trump's secret, long-shot plan to end the war in Ukraine.
And as far as Ukrainian aid is concerned and those that state the government is wasting tax-payer money on a war that has nothing to do with them are vastly mistaken and naive. Funding for Ukraine is not only advantageous to the Ukrainians but to Americans as well. Losing the war in Ukraine will prove far more costly economically, politically, and militarily for the United States than helping to defeat Russian aggression in Ukraine. Remember, what happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas but, like it or not, what happens in other parts of the world certainly does not.
ISW: The High Price of Losing Ukraine: Part 1 - Military-Strategic & Financial Implications of Russian Victory and Part 2 - The Military Threat and Beyond.
"Divide and Conquer" - Russia's Cyberwarfare Strategy Against the West
The Kyiv Independent: Microsoft says Russian disinformation campaign targeting US election has begun.
Wikipedia: Cyberwarfare by Russia | United States.
Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.
Russian interference in the 2018 United States elections.
Russian interference in the 2020 United States elections.
Brennan Center: New Evidence Shows How Russia's Election Interference Has Gotten More Brazen.
Council on Foreign Relations: Ukraine Offers Lessons for Russia's 2024 Election Interference.
Update April 8, 2024: An Espionage Scandal Rocks Austria
AP: An espionage scandal rocks Austria, laying bare alleged Russian spying operations across Europe.
Belsat: We explain why Vienna has been a paradise for Russian spies for years.
Update April 18, 2024: Two Suspected Spies Arrested in Germany for Planned Attacks
Euractiv: Two suspected Russian spies arrested in Germany for planned attacks.
Kyiv Post: Russian Spy Couple Helped Kremlin's Intelligence Organize Sabotage in Europe.
Financial Times: Russia plotting sabotage across Europe, intelligence agencies warn.
NATO: Statement by the North Atlantic Council on recent Russian hybrid activities.
The very fact Mr. Putin is using every means possible, from nuclear threats, massive amounts of disinformation, supporting pro-Russian far-right and far-left political movements in Europe and the U.S., bribery of European officials, spying, and brazen sabotage efforts in foreign countries to undermine military support for Ukraine is telling. It proves beyond a shadow of a doubt military support for Ukraine is not only having an impact on the battlefield and hindering Mr. Putin's imperialistic ambitions but, Mr. Putin is also very aware of the domestic political implications the war will have on his presidency the longer it continues and is none too happy about it. Mr. Putin therefor sees undermining support for Ukraine not only as essential in conquering Ukraine in its entirety but, also essential in avoiding a protracted war that will prove unpopular within Russia.
Regardless of the massive amounts of propaganda spoon-fed to the Russian people, eventually, the Russian people will grow weary of the war in Ukraine (just like people in the West) and question the war's validity in continuing, especially when one compares the lack of major territorial gains in relation to lives lost and taxpayer money spent. Once the majority of Russian people come to the realization they are not reaping any benefits from a war of Putin's making but, on the contrary, is proving detrimental to their economic and social wellbeing, public opinion will inevitably change. And it is no secret Mr. Putin's real fear lies not in foreign adversaries like the NATO alliance but from within Russia itself. His greatest fear is losing support of the masses.
A major issue that adds great weight to Mr. Putin's dilemma in fighting a prolonged war in Ukraine, is military conscription. Military conscription is unpopular among the average Russian citizen where the longer the war continues the more Russians Mr. Putin will have to send to the frontlines to make up for the massive number of Russian lives already lost in the conflict. Mr. Putin is very aware of this and has, as of yet, not called for mass-mobilization but has instead, in an effort to circumvent this issue, focused on exploiting poor people, minorities, migrants, and convicts in Russia to serve. But this is limited in scope. And to add to Mr. Putin's woes, the pro-Putin, highly influential ultra-nationalist warmongers that make up for a significant percentage of Mr. Putin's support base who wants to see a complete victory in Ukraine and, who are becoming disillusioned by the lack of progress on the battlefield, are inversely calling for mass-mobilization to win the war. It is in view of these contradictory issues, Mr. Putin will eventually have to either end the war in Ukraine because it cannot be sustained, (a situation that will not sit well with his ultra-nationalist base and cost him their support) or, send more and more Russians to the frontline to die, knowing full well doing so will create dissent within Russia that will put the Putin presidency at risk. And if push comes to shove where Mr. Putin realizes he cannot win the war in Ukraine, he will undoubtedly have to begrudgingly choose the latter and rein in the ultra-nationalists who have posed a political threat to his regime for some time but, were tolerated by Mr. Putin because of their support for the war but, would become even more of a liability if the war were to end without a resounding victory. It is therefor imperative that Mr. Putin put a stop to the one major factor that is preventing him from achieving his goals in Ukraine before time runs out and wider public dissent sets in from all facets of the political spectrum in Russian society, and that one factor is Western support for Ukraine. It is in view of this, the West "must" continue to support Ukraine, where Mr. Putin will be forced to come to a compromise and spin his limited success in Ukraine as a great victory to the Russian people. Paradoxically, a compromise will not come from external pressure that Mr. Putin will never adhere to in the knowledge no country wants to, or will, invade Russia because no country has the desire to do so and, Russia has a vast nuclear arsenal that acts as an extremely effective deterrent but, from domestic pressure that can lead to Mr. Putin ultimately losing his grip on power.
In view of the above, support for Ukraine in my opinion, is the only way to bring the Ukrainian conflict to a halt, short of engaging in a hot regional conflict with Russia that will inevitably occur if the West allows Mr. Putin to continue unabated on his present trajectory that, if successful in Ukraine, will re-energize Russian-public support for Putin and his war to continue beyond Ukraine's borders and directly involve the West with mass casualties and massive destruction throughout the region to follow. Simply put; Western support for Ukraine is not only preventing a wider war and sparing European lives (other than Ukrainian lives) but, also laying the groundwork for the war to end by applying pressure on Mr. Putin to negotiate a settlement.
How Strong is Russian Public Support for the Invasion of Ukraine?
Atlantic Council: How strong is Russian public support for the invasion of Ukraine?
Open Minds Institute: All Reports.
Denying Russia's Only Strategy for Success
ISW: Denying Russia's Only Strategy for Success.
Update April 20, 2024: "Thank You, America!" - The U.S. House of Representatives Passes a 61 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine
Thank goodness! It's about time. After months of stalling and at great cost to Ukrainian lives and infrastructure, critical aid for Ukraine has eventually passed in Congress.
The Kyiv Independent: US House passes $61 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson who under pressure of being ousted by a number of hardliners must be commended for eventually showing great integrity in bringing the Ukraine aid bill to the floor. Though I've been critical of Mike Johnson in his inaction, credit must be given where credit is due. In what must have been a crisis of conscience Mike Johnson, beyond party lines and at great risk of losing his job, ultimately decided to do the right thing in bringing this critical legislation to the floor for a vote. This is highly commendable for any politician to do regardless of what side of the aisle her or she stands on and must be lauded by the public to promote other politicians to follow suit. To quote Mike Johnson; "My philosophy is do the right thing and let the chips fall where they may. If I operated out of fear over motion to vacate, I would never be able to do my job. Look, history judges us for what we do. This is a critical time right now. I can make a selfish decision and do something that is different, but I'm doing here what I believe to be the right thing. I think providing aid to Ukraine right now is critically important."
CNN: By passing Ukraine aid, the accidental speaker became an unlikely Churchill.
Hopefully this sets a standard where Republicans and Democrats can come to a consensus that, though they may not see eye to eye on many issues, the two sides can come to a compromise in matters of great importance and for the benefit of the United States as a whole, instead of thinking only along party lines. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic but, hopefully this latest development can extend beyond helping partners and allies and include passing legislation on pressing domestic issues that the American people demand of those that are supposed to represent them. Partisan politics, where one side simply vetoes the other side's proposals simply because they are in the opposition, regardless of if it benefits the American people or not, "must" come to an end. In view of the upcoming elections, it is time ordinary Americans really start thinking about if their representatives are actually helping their communities or simply engaging in self-serving agendas and petty personal political grudges. The American people have the power to set a new precedent in abolishing partisan politics and creating a government that works for both the interests of the United States and the people it is meant to represent... please refer to the United States Constitution for details on this matter.
It's Costing Peanuts for the US to Defeat Russia
CEPA: It's Costing Peanuts for the US to Defeat Russia.
Nato: Which Countries are Paying Their Fair Share on Defence?
Yes folks, after years of asking certain NATO countries to pay their fair share for defense, recent actions by authoritarian nations like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Donald Trump's previous and more recent threats in stating he will not help those NATO countries that do not meet the required 2% of GDP for military expenditure if he is elected, have woken up and are eventually coming to their senses and doing the right thing by making a concerted effort to up their military spending and share the burden of contributing to the collective NATO alliance.
Forces | Net: Nato: Which countries are paying their fair share on defence?
Germany set to hit Nato spending target for the first time since the early 1990s.
PoliticsHome - United Kingdom: Rishi Sunak Announces Increase In Defence Spending To 2.5% Of GDP By 2030.
Putin Responds to the U.S. Ukrainian Aid Package
Mr. Putin, in response to the aid package going to Ukraine, has stated this will only cost more Ukrainian lives, as if to state if the West stops supporting Ukraine and allows him to conquer the entire country, this will bring an end to the war and an end to the suffering of the Ukrainian people... bullsh*t!, Mr. Putin. Please don't play us the fool. You've got it the wrong way around. You invaded Ukraine, you started this war, and you are killing its people, and it is you who have taken advantage of doing even more killing because the Ukrainians were lacking in weapons and ammunition to fight back and effectively protect themselves. So, no Mr. Putin, aid to Ukraine will not cost more Ukrainian lives, it will protect Ukrainian lives. The biggest cost to life will be Russian lives, and you know it.
So, Mr. Putin, do us all a great favor, stop the killing and get the hell out of Ukraine.
Update April 22, 2024 - Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to Announce Largest-Ever Military Aid Package to Ukraine
GOV.UK: PM to announce largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on visit to Poland.
Wikipedia: List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
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Ukraine Conflict Updates
Institute for the Study of War: Ukraine Conflict Updates
MFA of Ukraine: War in Ukraine: Official Website
BBC: War in Ukraine
CNN: Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Kyiv Independent - News from Ukraine
Ukrainska Pravda: Online News About Ukraine
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What If Russia Wins?
Financial Times: What if Russia wins?
War Against Ukraine: What If Russia Wins?
GLOBSEC: War Against Ukraine: What if Russia Wins?
Ukraine: A Bitter Armistice or War Until Victory?
Social Europe: Ukraine: A bitter armistice or war until victory?
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Outline of the Russo-Ukrainian War
Wikipedia: Outline of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
_______________________________________
Weakness is Lethal: Why Putin Invaded Ukraine and How the War Must End
ISW | Institute for the Study of War: Weakness is Lethal: Why Putin Invaded Ukraine and How the War Must End.
Denying Russia's Only Strategy for Success
ISW: Denying Russia's Only Strategy for Success.- Viktor Fedorovych Yanukovych is a former politician who served as the fourth president of Ukraine from 2010 until he was removed from office in the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, after a long series of protests in support of the European Union by diverse civil-society groups in response to his rejection of the Ukrainian-European Association Agreement. From 2006 to 2007 he was the prime minister of Ukraine; he also served in this post from November 2002 to January 2005, with a short interruption in December 2004.Corrupt Ex-President of Ukraine - Lives in Exile in Russia and Slated by Some as the Russian-Puppet Replacement if President Zelenskyy is Forced Out
A Ukrainian traitor who sold his country (and soul) to the devil for the proverbial 30 pieces of silver.
The perfect Putin candidate: Putin crony who has a long history of crime. Accused of mass killing of civilians and sentenced in absentia to 13 years' imprisonment for high treason by a Ukrainian court.
Wikipedia: Viktor Yanukovych - Divorced, two sons and three grandsons.
P.S.: What a shame, Mr. Yanukovich lost his luxurious Mezhyhirya Residence, together with his luxurious lifestyle, when he ran away to seek solace in the arms of Mr. Putin and escape prosecution in Ukraine. But not to worry folks, Mr. Yanukovych is building an even more luxurious Mezhyhirya No.2 in the Russian-stolen Ukrainian territory of Crimea, where he can continue with his extravagant lifestyle and entertain his old Russian elite buddies - "Na Zdorovie, Comrades! Let's Get the Party Started!" - Belarusian-Born Close Confidante of Putin and Founding Member of the Ozero Cooperative
Buddy of Mr. Putin and father of Kirill Shamalov who was married to Putin's daughter. This corrupt businessman is known for financing "Putin's Palace" through the theft of hundreds of millions of dollar$ intended for healthcare improvements for the Russian people.
Wikipedia: Nikolai Shamalov.
Wikipedia: Ozero.
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Stealing Russia Blind
Journal of Democracy: Stealing Russia Blind.
How Putin Hides His Money in Cyprus Offshore Ermira
Proekt Media: How Putin hides his money in Cyprus offshore Ermira. - Denis Pushilin was born on 9 May 1981 in Makeyevka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, USSR [now Makiivka, Ukraine].Corrupt Putin Sycophant Who Serves as the Head of the Self-Proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and Member of the Russian Ruling Party 'United Russia' Who is Known to Support a Renewed Russian Empire
Corrupt fraudster and Putin sycophant who was involved in stealing money from investors before finding his calling as a corrupt politician who garnered a measly 0,08% of the vote in the repeat elections of the 2012 Ukrainian parliamentary election but, miraculously (well, maybe I should rephrase - through the miraculous support of Mr. Putin) became the Head of the self-proclaimed, internationally unrecognized, Russian-recognized puppet-state, the Donetsk People's Republic in 2018 - Geez, and they say crime doesn't pay?
Wikipedia: Denis Pushilin - Married with two children.
Wikipedia: United Russia.
Wikipedia: International recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic.
Update: 2022 Russian-occupied Ukraine annexation referendums.
Update on 28 September 2022: In the 'sham' referendum, Mr. Pushilin claims 99.23% of votes cast were for joining joining the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic to the Russian Federation. - Vladislav Surkov was born on 21 September 1964 in Solntsevo, Lipetsk Oblast, U.S.S.R. [now Russia].Former Influential Close Advisor to Mr. Putin Known as Russia's "Grey Cardinal"
Former influential advisor to Mr. Putin known as the "grey cardinal" and also known for his leaked emails pertaining to Russian plans to politically destabilize Ukraine and the coordination of affairs with major opposition in separatist east Ukraine. The email release also including a document from Denis Pushilin outlining "a plan to support nationalist and separatist politicians and to encourage early parliamentary elections in Ukraine, all with the aim of undermining the government in Kyiv." - In view of events pertaining to the Russian invasion of Ukraine it appears Mr. Pushilin's wish is coming true (see above).
Wikipedia: Vladislav Surkov. - Putin Sycophant Who Serves as the Head of the Self-Proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic and Member of the Russian Ruling Party 'United Russia'
Putin sycophant and Head of the self-proclaimed, internationally unrecognized, Russian-recognized puppet-state, the Luhansk People's Republic who stated they 'may' (yea right) hold a referendum to join Russia in the near future.
Wikipedia: Leonid Pasechnik.
Wikipedia: United Russia.
P.S: You know, the sad thing is, those people that support Russia and their sycophant-leaders in the self-recognized separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk believe that this will grant them security and prosperity in the future. Out of necessity for self-preservation, people have an inherent disposition to gravitate to the side they perceive as having the most strength and influence but, more often than not do not take into account the possible consequences of that support (See, in a historical context: Collaboration with the Axis powers).
Unfortunately, they don't realize, in true mafia fashion, Russia's assistance comes with a number of caveats. The main caveat being security through allegiance to Russian policy, which ultimately leads to manipulation of domestic policies in states aligned with Russia. Where the leaders in those states, supported and brought to power by Russia, are now answerable first and foremost to the Kremlin and not necessarily to their own citizens. It is well documented Mr. Putin's greatest fear is the democratization of neighboring states spilling over into Russia (See: Revolution of Dignity and Color revolution). And by this very reasoning, any dissidence or protest that bear signs of what can be construed as possible seeds of democratic change in states or territories aligned with Russia must be crushed by any means necessary - If not domestically then by Russian itself (See: 2020-2021 Belarusian protests and 2022 Kazakh unrest).
Dictators, and the like, are very aware that making concessions with those citizens protesting against governmental policy emboldens people to seek further change that may ultimately compromise their rule and therefor resort to brutality, mass incarceration, and torture, to suppress any form of dissidence. And, as a result, the dictator knows this level of oppression has to be maintained, or increased, because anything less than may be construed as weakness that will inevitably be taken advantage of by opponents. And this reality will also apply to the citizens of Donetsk and Luhansk, who's only 'security' they so wished for will ultimately mean remaining silent in expressing any grievances for fear of severe reprisals from their Kremlin-backed leaders - a phenomena many Russians themselves state is the reason they remain silent in criticizing their own government.
Update: 2022 Russian-occupied Ukraine annexation referendums.
Update on 28 September 2022: In the 'sham' referendum, the head of the election commission claims 98.42% of votes cast were for joining the self-declared Luhansk People's Republic to the Russian Federation. - Putin Sycophant Who Serves as the Russian-Appointed Governor of the Illegally-Annexed Kherson Oblast Region in Ukraine
Ukrainian/Russian traitor and Putin sycophant under investigation for treason by the Prosecutor General of Ukraine who collaborated with Russia during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Saldo is known for embezzlement, corruption, and various scandals. Voting for a set of oppressive anti-protest laws known as the "dictatorship laws". Being held in the Dominican Republic after being accused for kidnapping and torturing a 33-year-old Ukrainian man who allegedly owed him and his partner $334,000. Adopting a pro-Russian position by stating Kherson Oblast is an "integral part of the big family of Russia" after the Russian occupation, and then telling everybody to leave the region following Ukrainian military gains against the Russian-occupiers - Knowing what's in store for him if he is captured, I have no doubt Mr. Saldo will probably be the first one on the bus when the Ukrainians come to call.
Wikipedia: Volodymyr Saldo.
Wikipedia: Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast.
TVP World: Chief collaborator in occupied Kherson asks Moscow to help 'evacuate' locals. - Putin Sycophant Who Serves as the Head of the Self-Proclaimed Republic of Crimea and Member of the Russian Ruling Party 'United Russia'
Putin sycophant and Head of the self-proclaimed, internationally-unrecognized, Russian-recognized, puppet-state, the Republic of Crimea.
The perfect Putin candidate. Corrupt, common criminal who started his criminal career in Crimea - nicknamed "Goblin" when he served as a lieutenant in the criminal gang named "Salem". Mr. Aksyonov is also known to have extensive links to organized crime as well as being suspected of various contract killings but, has never been prosecuted due to his government connections in Crimea. Mr. Aksyonov was also responsible for the criminal armed occupation of the Crimean parliament by Russian forces under his command and is wanted by the Ukrainian Security Service after being charged under the Criminal Code of Ukraine for - "Actions aimed at the violent overthrow, change of constitutional order, or the seizure of state power." Mr. Aksyonov also promised the Ukrainian language would cease to be an official language if Crimea joined Russia. He also led efforts to stamp out dissent among ethnic Crimean Tatars (See: Tatarophobia and De-Tatarization of Crimea), and has stated homosexuals "have no chance" in Crimea, and "we in Crimea do not need such people." - (So then, what Mr. Aksyonov is saying, is that low-life corrupt gangsters such as himself are the kinds of people Crimea needs?) - He also promised that if gays tried to hold public gatherings, "our police and self-defense forces will react immediately and in three minutes will explain to them what kind of sexual orientation they should stick to." - It's like the saying goes; you can put a silk hat on a pig but, it's still just a pig.
Wikipedia: Sergey Aksyonov.
Wikipedia: Political status of Crimea. - First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of Russia
Worked directly with the president since 1996. Added to the European Union sanctions list for his role in the 2014 Crimean crisis.
Wikipedia: Alexey Gromov. - Russian Nationalist and Former Federal Security Service (FSB) Officer Who Played a Key Role in the Illegal Annexation of Crimea
A crazed nationalist warmonger with a sordid past that reads like something out of a pulp novel who has called for an escalation of the war in Ukraine through mass mobilization and the use of tactical nuclear weapons.
Mr. Girkin's claim to fame includes; his involvement in the Višegrad massacres in which thousands of civilians were killed, forced disappearances, kidnapping, torture, murder, extrajudicial executions, and the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 where 283 passengers and 15 crew were killed.
Update: Mr. Girkin joined a Russian volunteer unit in Ukraine in early October 2022 and it is reported the Ukrainian government has put up a $150,000 reward for his capture.
Wikipedia: Igor Girkin.
Update: On 17 November 2022, in absentia, Mr. Girkin and two others are found guilty of the murder of 298 people in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.
Update: On 1 April 2023 the "Club of Angry Patriots", a Russian hardline nationalist social movement, is founded by Mr. Girkin, Pavel Gubarev and Maxim Kalashnikov. The club, that comprises of pro-war ultra-nationalists, criticizes the current Russian government for perceived half-measures and inability to win the war against Ukraine.
Update: On 21 July 2023, after much criticism of Mr. Putin himself (a big no-no in Russia if you value your freedom and, by extension, your life), Mr. Girkin is arrested by Russian authorities on charges of extremism.
Update: On 25 January 2024, Mr. Girkin is convicted of extremism and sentenced to imprisonment in a penal colony for four years. - Chairman of the Defense Committee of the State Duma
Russian politician and former army officer of the Russian Army who was allegedly involved in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and who incriminated himself by fabricating false evidence to hide the crime that has since been refuted by international experts and, ironically, the Russians themselves.
Wikipedia: Andrey Kartapolov. - Putin's Bodyguard and Director of the National Guard of Russia
Buddy of Putin, member of Putin's siloviki inner circle and director of the National Guard of Russia (created to counter the "internal enemy") who attained status and wealth after becoming a close confidant and sparring partner of Mr. Putin. Mr. Zolotov is known for; his close ties to the criminal underworld in St. Petersburg, obtaining valuable land for him and his family originally bequethed by the state to Russian workers and pensioners, stealing at least $29 million in procurement contracts meant for the National Guard of Russia, human rights violations, and the violent suppression of protests and demonstrations.
Wikipedia: Viktor Zolotov.
The New Mafia: Vladimir Putin's Inner Circle and Russian Organized Crime
A Thesis by India N. Trummer: The New Mafia: Vladimir Putin's Inner Circle and Russian Organized Crime. - Presidential Envoy to the Northern Caucasian Federal District
Notorious ex-Prosecutor General of Russia and Minister of Justice(?) known for extensive corruption and links to criminal organizations and its leaders. Mr. Chaika is also know for leading the prosecution to declare the Jehovah's Witnesses an extremist organization, ban its activity, and liquidate it (See: Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany).
Wikipedia: Yury Chaika. - Aleksandr Bortnikov was born on 15 November 1951 in Molotov, RSFSR, USSR [now Perm, Russia].Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Who Belongs to the Silovik of Putin's Inner Circle
Wikipedia: Alexander Bortnikov - Has a son.
Wikipedia: Federal Security Service (FSB).
Wikipedia: Silovik. - First Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB)
The perfect Putin candidate - An ambitious shadowy figure and "Hero of the Russian Federation" with extensive connections to the Russian mafia, who is touted as one of the leading candidates to succeed Mr. Bortnikov (see above) as director of the FSB.
Wikipedia: Sergei B. Korolev - Married with one son. - Commander of the Army During the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Andrey Mordvichev.
For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Mordvichev can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders." - See: Superior orders and Criminal order - Nuremberg trials.
Wikipedia: Law of war.
Order of Battle for the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Order of battle for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. - Sergey Shoygu was born on 21 May 1955 in Chadan, Tuvan AO, RSFSR, USSR [now Tuva, Russia]. He is married to Irina Alexandrovna Antipina. They have two children.General of the Army Who Serves as Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation
Likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Shoygu can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders."
Wikipedia: Sergei Shoigu - Married with two daughters.
Pavel Popov - General of the Army Who Serves as Deputy Minister of Defense
General of the Army sanctioned by the European Union in connection with the poisoning of Alexei Navalny.
Wikipedia: Pavel Popov.
"We Don't Kill Civilians" - Attacks on civilians in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
If ever there was a more absurd statement of a myriad of absurd statements coming from the Kremlin, this is it. Besides the intentional bombing of civilian infrastructure and killing of civilians, the Russian army is conducting itself like an undisciplined-drunken-hoard of savages. It just goes to show, the proverb "The fish stinks from the head down" is absolutely true. The degree of brutality waged against the civilian population of Ukraine is unprecedented in modern times, and evidence of the Russian army's atrocities are mounting with every passing day - including (with substantial proof accumulating as more and more evidence of atrocities comes to light); indiscriminate and willful killing of civilians, using children as human shields, forced displacement of communities, abduction of children, looting, sexual assault (including children), rape (including children and the aged), torture (including children), and extrajudicial executions. I can only imagine the depravity that is occurring in Russian occupied areas that are closed off to the rest of the world? The mass slaughter and other well-documented atrocities inflicted on non-combatants amounts to nothing short of war-crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Just how much worse does it have to get for the world to say, "Enough!"? - See: "What Russia should do with Ukraine".
Update: President Biden has not only stated Mr. Putin is committing genocide in Ukraine but, double-downed on that statement when confronted by the press. At last, we have a world leader unafraid to state the obvious when the majority of other world leaders are hesitant to do so for fear of upsetting Mr. Putin. Which, in their opinion, would negatively influence possible peace-talks. Does anybody truly believe Mr. Putin is going to give up his goals in Ukraine and enter into meaningful peace-talks (unless forced to do so) when a glorious victory is absolutely essential to his political survival? C'mon, give us a break.
United States Institute of Peace: Is Russia Committing Genocide in Ukraine?
Allegations of Genocide of Ukrainians in the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Allegations of genocide of Ukrainians in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Genocide.
War Crimes Watch Ukraine
Frontline/AP: War Crimes Watch Ukraine.
War Crimes in the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Russia's War Crimes
Wikipedia: War crimes in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
See parallel Russian war crimes in a historical context: Soviet war crimes.
Sexual Violence in the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Sexual violence in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Crimes Against Children
Lieber Institute - West Point: Ukraine Symposium - Russian Crimes Against Children.
Kyiv Independent: Deliberate murders of Ukrainian children by Russian soldiers reveal culture of impunity.
Russian Strikes on Hospitals During the Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Russian strikes on hospitals during the invasion of Ukraine (2022-present).
Mariupol Hospital Airstrike
Wikipedia: Mariupol hospital airstrike.
Mariupol Theatre Airstrike
Wikipedia: Mariupol theatre airstrike.
Humanitarian Impacts of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Wikipedia: Humanitarian impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Refugee Crisis
Wikipedia: Ukrainian refugee crisis (2022-present).
Child Abductions in the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide lists: "forcibly transferring children of the group to another group" as one of the acts constitutive of genocide, when it is "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group".
Wikipedia: Child abductions in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine - See in a historical context: Kidnapping of children by Nazi Germany.
Eurovision News: The Missing Children of Ukraine - An investigation of the EBU Investigative Journalism Network.
Maria Lvova-Belova - Putin Ally, War-Criminal, and Current "Children's Rights Commissioner for the President of Russia"
Wikipedia: Maria Lvova-Belova - Married with 23 children (5 biological, 18 adopted).
A Conflict Observatory Report - Yale School of Public Health: Russia's Systematic Program for the Re-Education & Adoption of Ukraine's Children.
Update - March 17, 2023: International Criminal Court (ICC) Judges Issue Arrest Warrants Against Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova
ICC: Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants against Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova.
ICC: Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Update - September 2023: 'It's Not Scary to Die for the Motherland' - An Updated Curriculum of Indoctrination of School Children in Russia and Russian-Occupied Ukrainian Territories Begins
Amnesty International: New history textbook is a blatant attempt to unlawfully indoctrinate school children in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.
Radio Free Europe: 'Readiness for Service': Russia's Schools Continue Marching Toward Militarization - See in a historical context: Hitler Youth.
Russian Filtration/Concentration Camps for Ukrainians
Filtration camp detainees are subject to widespread torture, killings, rape, starvation and other grave human rights violations - According to a leaked Russian occupation plan, "filtration" was to represent the foundation of their counter-insurgency and pacification strategy, with Russian occupation authorities planning to pass large portions of the Ukrainian population through the "filtration" process after occupying the entire country.
Wikipedia: Russian filtration camps for Ukrainians - See also: Filtration system in Chechnya.
Bucha Massacre
Wikipedia: Bucha massacre.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Russian Brigade Accused Of Bucha War Crimes Awarded Honorary Title.
P.S.: True to form, Russian authorities falsely claim the Bucha massacre was staged by Ukraine, which according to Mr. Putin is a "provocation" against Russia. However, the uncovering of mass graves, forensic investigations, eyewitness reports, photographic and video evidence, satellite imagery, and radio intercepts of the Russian military proves, beyond any reasonable doubt, the contrary.
Kramatorsk Railway Station Attack
Wikipedia: Kramatorsk railway station attack.
P.S.: True to form, Russian authorities falsely claim... need I continue, folks?
2022-2023 Russian Strikes Against Ukrainian Infrastructure
Wikipedia: 2022-2023 Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure.
2023 Dnipro Residential Building Airstrike
Wikipedia: 2023 Dnipro residential building airstrike.
2023 Hroza Missile Attack
Wikipedia: Hroza missile attack.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Crisis
Wikipedia: Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant crisis.
Wikipedia: Nuclear terrorism.
Alexander Zhuravlyov - "Dismissed" Commander of the Western Military District
You're Fired! Yet another "Hero of the Russian Federation" and war-criminal implicated for war crimes in Syria and Ukraine where he commanded the troops that invaded in the north of the country who is directly responsible for, under his command, the use of cluster munitions (See: BM-30 Smerch) banned by international law and used against civilians.
Wikipedia: February 2022 Kharkiv cluster bombing.
Wikipedia: March 2022 Kharkiv cluster bombing.
Wikipedia: April 2022 Kharkiv cluster bombing.
Likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Zhuravlyov can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders."
Wikipedia: Alexander Zhuravlyov.
Andrei Sychevoi - "Dismissed" Commander of the Western Military District
You're Fired! Previously appointed Commander of the Western Military District following the dismissal of Alexander Zhuravlyov (see above).
Wikipedia: Andrei Sychevoi. - "Dismissed" Commander of the Western Military District
You're Fired! Russian lieutenant general who previously commanded the Russian military intervention in Syria who was previously appointed Commander of the Western Military District following the dismissal of Andrei Sychevoi (see above).
Wikipedia: Roman Berdnikov.
Evgeny Nikiforov - Newly Appointed Commander of the Western Military District
You're Hired! Appointed Commander of the Western Military District following the dismissal of Roman Berdnikov (see above).
I am sure Mr. Nikiforov will do his master proud, and in the very near future will earn the distinction of war-criminal like many of his peers. And, if he is still alive when this war ends, Mr. Nikiforov and his comrades can 'proudly' tell their children and grandchildren war-stories of all the atrocities they committed against men, women, and children, young and old, in service of their most beloved dictator and for the 'glory' of the Motherland.
Wikipedia: Yevgeny Nikiforov.
Gennady Zhidko - "Dismissed" Commander of the Eastern Military District
You're Fired! Demoted from his position as Commander of all Russian forces in Ukraine and given the position of Commander of the Eastern Military District and subsequently dismissed from that position, as well.
Wikipedia: Gennady Zhidko.
Aleksandr Chaiko - "Dismissed" Commander of the Eastern Military District
You're Fired! Another "Hero of the Russian Federation" and war-criminal who earned a global a reputation as a brutal leader in Syria believed to be responsible for widespread attacks against hospitals, schools, and populated areas which killed 1600 civilians and displaced 1.4 million. And during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, under his command, his troops tortured and executed hundreds of Ukrainian civilians during the Kyiv offensive. Investigations are underway by war crimes prosecutors whether Mr. Chaiko directly ordered specific atrocities, including the massacre in Bucha.
Wikipedia: Aleksandr Chaiko.
Likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Chaika can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders."
Rustam Muradov - Newly Appointed Commander of the Eastern Military District
You're Hired! My goodness! Mr. Putin is changing military commanders more often than most people change their underwear. I wonder how long Mr. Muradov is going to last under the present circumstances? However, I am sure Mr. Muradov will do his master proud, and in the very near future will earn the distinction of war-criminal like many of his peers. And, if he is still alive when this war ends, Mr. Muradov and his comrades can 'proudly' tell their children and grandchildren war-stories of all the atrocities they committed against men, women, and children, young and old, in service of their most beloved dictator and for the 'glory' of the Motherland.
Wikipedia: Rustam Muradov.
Update - March 26, 2023: "You're Fired!" - Though not officially confirmed by the Kremlin, Russian media reports Mr. Muradov was demoted from his position as Commander of the Eastern Military District and replaced by acting commander lieutenant general Mikhail Nosulev.
Mikhail Nosulev - Appointed Acting Commander of the Eastern Military District
You're Hired! Phew! Mr. Nosulev is the latest in a long line of commanders of the Eastern Military District, replacing Mr. Muradov. Bets are on how long he is going to last in the position. However, I am sure Mr. Nosulev will do his master proud, and in the very near future will earn the distinction of war-criminal like many of his peers.
Wikipedia: Mikhail Nosulev.
Andrey Kuzmenko - Appointed Commander of the Eastern Military District
Update - April 20, 2023: You're Hired! Mr. Kuzmenko is the next in line of commanders of the Eastern Military District, replacing Mr. Nosulev. I am sure Mr. Kuzmenko will do his master proud and earn the distinction of war-criminal like many of his peers.
Wikipedia: Andrey Kuzmenko (general). - Nicknamed "The Butcher of Syria" - Russian General, War-Criminal, and "Dismissed" Commander of Military Operations in Ukraine
You're Fired! The perfect Putin Russian military commander - Notorious Russian general placed in charge of military operations in Ukraine, who is believed to be behind the Kramatorsk railway station attack. Awarded the distinction of "Hero of the Russian Federation" for the brutality and war-crimes committed under his command during the Russian intervention in Syria. And, specifically, in the city of Aleppo - See: Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war and Russian-Syrian hospital bombing campaign.
Wikipedia: Aleksandr Dvornikov.
Likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Dvornikov can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders."
Gennady Zhidko - "Dismissed" Commander of All Russian Forces in Ukraine
You're Fired! Yet another "Hero of the Russian Federation" dismissed for his military failures in Ukraine replaced by Sergey Surovikin after Mr. Zhidko replaced Aleksandr Dvornikov for his military failures in Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Gennady Zhidko.
Likewise - For war committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine Mr. Zhidko can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders." - "Dismissed" Commander of All Russian Forces in Ukraine
You're Hired! Appointed on October 8, 2022 as Commander of All Russian forces in Ukraine. Awarded "Hero of the Russian Federation" for his command of the Group of Forces in Syria that, through his leadership, resulted in a significant turning point in the fight against the Syrian opposition. Known for his brutality, Mr. Putin and the ultra-nationalists inside of Russia are hoping Mr. Surovikin can turn the tide of the war in Russia's favor which, without a doubt, will also involve major strikes on civilian infrastructure. However, this strategy is no different to the strategy used by commanders prior to Mr. Surovikin, and the strikes that occurred since October 10, 2022 may very well be a depraved public relations stunt to appease the influential nationalist extremists to change the perception of the incompetentcies and failures of the Russian Ministry of Defense, and promote the idea Mr. Surovikin is some sort of "knight in shining armor" that will miraculously change the trajectory of the war in Russia's favor - we shall see...
You're Fired! On 11 January 2023, Mr. Surovikin is replaced by Valery Gerasimov as commander of all Russian forces in Ukraine and will serve as one of Mr. Gerasimov's deputies.
Wikipedia: Sergey Surovikin - Married has two children.
And likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Surovikin can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders." - Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov is a Russian army general serving as the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and First Deputy Defence Minister, replacing Nikolay Makarov. He was appointed by president Vladimir Putin on 9 November 2012. Gerasimov was born in Kazan, Tatar ASSR on 8 September 1955. He graduated from the Kazan Suvorov Military School (1971-1973), the Kazan Higher Tank Command School, the Malinovsky Military Armored Forces Academy (1984-1987), and the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia (1995-1997).General of the Army Who Serves as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
You're Hired! Mr. Gerasimov is appointed overall commander of war against Ukraine, replacing Sergey Surovikin who will serve as one of his deputies.
And likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Gerassimov can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders."
Wikipedia: Valery Gerasimov - Married, has a son.
Wikipedia: Gerasimov doctrine.
Wikipedia: War crimes in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Oleg Salyukov - Army General and Commander-in-Chief of Russian Ground Forces
Wikipedia: Oleg Salyukov.
And likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Salyukov can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders."
Dmitry Bulgakov - "Dismissed" Deputy Minister of Defense
You're Fired! Dismissed from the post of deputy defense minister in charge of logistics for his failures in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Dmitry Bulgakov.
Mikhail Mizintsev - Deputy Minister of Defense
You're Hired! Replaced Mr. Bulgakov in the post of deputy defense minister in charge of logistics. Known as the "Butcher of Mariupol", Mr. Mizintsev is known for war crimes committed during the Siege of Mariupol, including airstrikes on the city's theatre and hospital. Mr. Mizintsev's other claim to fame is arranging a brutal bombing campaign that annihilated Aleppo.
You're Fired! Announced on April 27, 2023, Mr. Mizintsev is fired from his post as deputy defense minister for logistics.
Wikipedia: Mikhail Mizintsev.
And likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Mizintsev can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders."
Aleksandr Lapin - "Dismissed" Commander of the Central Military District
You're Fired! Yet another Russian commander fired for his failures.
Wikipedia: Aleksandr Lapin - Married, has a son.
Following the Second Battle of Lyman, which saw a Ukrainian victory, Mr. Lapin was heavily criticized by Chechen leader/gangster Ramzan Kadyrov who blamed Mr. Lapin for the Russian retreat, saying he would demote Mr. Lapin to the rank of private, strip him of his medals, and send him to the front line barefoot with a light machine gun to "wipe away his shame with blood".
Update - January 10, 2023: Mr. Lapin is appointed Chief of Staff of the Russian Ground Forces.
And likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Lapin can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders."
Wikipedia: Russian Ground Forces.
Alexander Linkov - "Dismissed" Acting Commander of the Central Military District Replaced by Andrey Mordvichev
You're Fired!
Wikipedia: Central Military District.
Andrey Mordvichev - Appointed Commander of the Central Military District
Wikipedia: Andrey Mordvichev.
Wikipedia: Central Military District.
And likewise - For war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Mordvichev can add the title of war-criminal (like his master) to his long list of military distinctions and legacy. However, if he ever appears before an international criminal court, he can always state in his defense, "I was only following orders." - Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin; born 3 March 1966 is a Russian politician and economist serving as Prime Minister of Russia since 16 January 2020. He previously served as Director of the Federal Tax Service from 2010 to 2020.
He was nominated for Prime Minister of the Russian Federation by President Vladimir Putin on 15 January 2020, following the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev. Hearings on his appointment were held in the State Duma on 16 January, and he was confirmed to the office that dayPrime Minister of Russia
Personally nominated to the position of Prime Minister of Russia by Mr. Putin who was (unsurprisingly) confirmed for the first time ever and without any votes against him.
Wikipedia: Mikhail Mishustin - Married, three children.
____________________________________
Why Russian Elites Are Standing By Putin
Foreign Policy Research Institute | Article: Why Russian Elites Are Standing By Putin.
Corruption in Russia
Wikipedia: Corruption in Russia.
Wikipedia: Crony capitalism.
Suspicious Deaths of Russian Businesspeople from 2022 to 2024
Wikipedia: Suspicious deaths of Russian businesspeople (2022-2024).
P.S.: It appears a major cause of "accidental" death in Russia is people falling out of windows. I think Russian institutions in charge of public safety had better look into this phenomena and request contractors that install windows to apply additional safety measures before 'falling out of windows' becomes the leading cause of "accidental death" among the Russian elite. - First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia
Mr. Belousov is often floated as a potential successor to Mr. Putin, but this may be less of a blessing and more of a curse if Mr. Putin feels his presidency may be threatened and starts bumping off potential opponents - Something that Mr. Putin has already proven very adept at on multiple occasions.
P.S.: I would strongly advise Mr. Belousov, when he decides to change his underwear, to check for signs of Novichok nerve agent before putting on a new pair of undies - (See: Poisoning of Alexei Navalny).
Wikipedia: Andrey Belousov. - Valentina Matvienko was born on 7 April 1949 in Shepetovka, Kamianets-Podolsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, USSR [now Shepetivka, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ukraine].Chairman of the Federation Council
Greedy and corrupt politician and the subject of much criticism.
Wikipedia: Valentina Matviyenko - Has a son.
Wikipedia: Chairman of the Federation Council (Russia). - Chairman of the State Duma who is Part of Putin's Inner Circle
Brown-noser extraordinair who was one of the first politicians to publicly support Putin's war in Ukraine who is known for denouncing Russians who oppose the war as "traitors" and making ludicrous statements like; "The purpose (of the Russian invasion of Ukraine) is to protect people living in Ukraine" and "Demilitarizing Ukraine is the only path that will allow us to prevent war in Europe. Our only chance to stop the fighting and the humanitarian catastrophe." And to add; On July 6, 2022, Mr. Volodin warned that Russia could demand back Alaska if the United States continued to seize Russian assets abroad - I wonder how the United States and the Alaskans feel about that?
It is also rumored Mr. Volodin has ambitions to become president of Russia but, like Mr. Belousov (see above) he had better be cautious if his buddy Mr. Putin feels his presidency may be threatened and starts bumping off potential opponents.
Wikipedia: Vyacheslav Volodin. - Vladislav Surkov was born on 21 September 1964 in Solntsevo, Lipetsk Oblast, U.S.S.R. [now Russia].Perceived by Many to be a Key Figure with Much Power and Influence in the Administration of Putin
Wikipedia: Vladislav Surkov - Married, four children. - Nicknamed "Darth Vader" - Close Ally and One of Putin's Most Conservative Counselors and Leader of the Kremlin's Siloviki Faction
People around him call him "Darth Vader" - Need I say more?
Wikipedia: Igor Sechin - Divorced, three children.
Wikipedia: Silovik. - Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov is a Russian diplomat and politician who has served as the Foreign Minister of Russia since 2004. Lavrov served as the Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations from 1994 to 2004. Lavrov was born on 21 March 1950 in Moscow, to an Armenian father from Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, and a Russian mother from Noginsk, Russian SFSR. His father's surname was originally Kalantaryan. His mother worked in the Soviet Ministry for Foreign Trade. Lavrov graduated from high school with a silver medal. Since his favorite class was physics, he planned to enter either the National Research Nuclear University or the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, but he entered the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and graduated in 1972.Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia
Should change his title to "Minister of Sordid Affairs of Russia". A wily character, indeed. A man who simply mimics his master's narrative of lies and deception. A kind of living, breathing, Putin echo chamber. Then again... what choice does he really have if he wishes to keep his cushy job and travel the world in luxury.
Wikipedia: Sergey Lavrov - Married, one daughter with two grandchildren.
P.S.: Have you noticed when Sergey and others are confronted with their crimes, a common Russian counter-argument strategy is to deflect and lay blame on the U.S., or the West, for previous actions they took - like the invasion of Iraq (a personal favorite of theirs). How does that exonerate Russia from it's crimes? It reminds me of when you catch a child doing something naughty, and the child says in his defense, "But Johnny also does it!" As if to say his actions are acceptable, or invalidated, because others also do it. Has Mr. Lavrov never heard of the proverb, "Two wrongs don't make a right?" Imagine, God-forbid, you appear in a court of law for an offense you have committed, and then state in your defense, "But everybody else does it!" The judge will most-likely throw the book at you for your insolence, and hit you with the maximum sentence possible.
Don't Let Russia Fool You About the Minsk Agreements
CEPA: Don't Let Russia Fool You About the Minsk Agreements.
Wikipedia: Minsk agreements.
Why Russia Wants Autonomy for Occupied Donbas (And Why Ukraine Doesn't)
The Kyiv Independent: Explainer: Why Russia wants autonomy for occupied Donbas (and why Ukraine doesn't).
Why Ukraine and Russia Can't Agree on autonomy for the Donbas
The Lowy Institute: Why Ukraine and Russia can't agree on autonomy for the Donbas.
Do Ukrainians in the Donbas Want to Be 'Liberated' by Russia?
The Washington Post: Do Ukrainians in the Donbas want to be 'liberated' by Russia? - Advisor to the President of Russia on Foreign Policy Issues
Can somebody please advise Mr. Ushakov in advising Mr. Putin on foreign policy, that foreign policy also involves friendly relations with your neighbors, and not only how to invade, murder, and subjugate them.
Wikipedia: Yuri Ushakov. - Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov is a Russian diplomat and the press secretary for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Peskov was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1967. His father, Sergey, headed the Soviet diplomatic mission in Pakistan. In 1989, Peskov graduated from the Institute of Asian and African Countries at the Moscow State University, specializing in History and Eastern studies. In the same year, Peskov joined the Soviet Foreign Ministry.Corrupt Spin Doctor and Press Secretary
How is it possible people like Mr. Peskov can lie with such a straight face (I mean, you don't even see his moustache twitch when he spews his nonsense)? Is this pathological lying simply done for self-preservation, or have these people slipped into a state of delusion where they actually start believing their own lies? I guess we'll never know the answer to this baffling conundrum.
Some trivia: After the Invasion of Ukraine, Peskov's daughter, Elizaveta Peskova (living and thriving as an EU Intern in Paris, no less), posted a "No to War" message on her Instagram page, but deleted it soon afterwards - I'm sure Mr. Peskov will have some explaining to do for his insubordinate daughter's actions on return to the Kremlin.
Wikipedia: Dmitry Peskov - Married, has five children. - Maria Zakharova was born on 24 December 1975 in Moscow, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia].Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Should change her title to "Director of the Disinformation and Repress Department". On 16 February 2022, Mrs. Zakharova ridiculed Western media predictions of an imminent invasion of Ukraine by Russia when she had mockingly asked for the schedule of Russian invasions so that she could, ostensibly, "plan her vacation" accordingly - seeing that she still denies a Russian invasion has actually taken place, she should then take a nice long vacation in Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Maria Zakharova. - Sergey Yevgenyevich Naryshkin is a Russian politician and businessman who has served as the director of the Foreign Intelligence Service since 2016. Previously, he was Chairman of the State Duma (2011-2016) and Kremlin Chief of Staff (2008-2012); he was also chairman of the Historical Truth Commission in May 2009 until it was dissolved in February 2012.Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service and Close Friend of Mr. Putin
I wonder how many hits and favors Mr. Naryshkin organized for his beloved friend who then publicly humiliated him on global television concerning recognizing the Russian-backed separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk?
Wikipedia: Sergey Naryshkin - Married with two children.
P.S.: I'll give Mr. Putin this, he sure is a shrewd son of a gun. By coercing those around him (on global TV) to accept his criminal agenda, Mr. Putin is effectively making his inner-circle accomplices to his crimes and obligating them, under threat of severe reprisals, to support him. - Minister of Health of the Russian Federation
Appointed Minister of Health by presidential decree signed by Mr. Putin, Mr. Murashko is best known for being responsible for the cover-up of the poisoning and attempts to halt the emergency medical evacuation to Germany of Mr. Putin's arch political-opposition rival Alexei Navalny. It appears Mr. Murashko, who is also a physician, mistook taking the Hippocratic Oath which is meant to uphold principles of medical ethics, as the Hypocritical Oath.
Wikipedia: Mikhail Murashko. - Nikolay Patrushev was born on 11 July 1951 in Leningrad, RSFSR, USSR [now St. Petersburg, Russia].One of the Closest Advisors to Putin Who Previously Served as Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Now Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Who Belongs to the Silovik of Putin's Inner Circle
Wikipedia: Nikolai Patrushev - Has two sons.
Wikipedia: Security Council of Russia.
Wikipedia: Silovik.
Update - December 22, 2023: Wall Street Journal: Russian Security Council Secretary Ordered Prigozhin's Assassination
The Kyiv Independent: WSJ: Russian Security Council secretary ordered Prigozhin's assassination. - Son of Nikolai Patrushev and Minister of Agriculture of Russia
Like father, like son. Dmitry who likes to keep it in the family, is best known for acting as a 'wallet' for his father's shadow income from corruption.
Wikipedia: Dmitry Patrushev - Unmarried, has six children: three sons and three daughters. - Ex-Prime Minister of Russia now Director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies
Wikipedia: Mikhail Fradkov - Married with two sons. - Sergey Kirienko was born on 26 July 1962 in Sukhumi, Abkhaz ASSR, Georgian SSR, USSR.Ex-Prime Minister of Russia now First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of Russia
Wikipedia: Sergey Kiriyenko. - Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin (1 February 1931 - 23 April 2007) was a Russian and Soviet politician who served as the first president of Russia from 1991 to 1999. He was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1961 to 1990. He later stood as a political independent, during which time he was viewed as being ideologically aligned with liberalism and Russian nationalism.President of Russia Who was Succeeded by Vladimir Putin - Deceased
Responsible for appointing Mr. Putin as prime minister of Russia - After establishing guarantees he and his family would be exempt from prosecution and financially secure after he leaves office.
An embarrassment to both Russia and the world. His drunken antics seem almost quaint when compared to his successor's murderous ambitions.
Wikipedia: Boris Yeltsin. - Head of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy
Buddy of Putin and Presidential Advisor to both Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin. Mr. Karaganov is known as the progenitor of the Karaganov Doctrine that has been likened by scholars to the idea that furnished Herr Hitler's 1938 Anschluss of Austria. Mr. Karaganov has also stated in an interview in 2002 that Russia's main foreign policy goal is to force its own dominance on the globe and break the security order put in place at the end of the Cold War. Mr. Karaganov has also stated Russia is genetically an authoritarian power whose history has formed their genetic code. Regarding Russia's war on Ukraine, Mr. Karaganov has stated things like; NATO is a "political cancer" that aims to kill the "healthy" Russian state, and Ukraine is not a viable state so Russia's invasion of Ukraine is justified, and demilitarization of Ukraine means the destruction of Ukrainian forces and Ukraine supported with weapons from the West will only prolong the agony and, after "denazification?" is completed in Ukraine like the Russians did in Germany and Chechnya the Ukrainians will become much more peaceful and friendly to the Russians - Really? So after illegally and without provocation invading their country, annihilating their critical infrastructure and homes, murdering their men, women, and children, and committing every atrocity imaginable, the Ukrainians will simply become peaceful and friendly to the Russian aggressors? Whoever labelled Mr. Karaganov an intellectual obviously made a great mistake when they should of actually labelled him a delusional. Just goes to show, smart-people with a number of university degrees behind their name does not necessarily make them clever in other departments, like common-sense. And likewise does not exempt them from having mental issues brought about by an overriding fantastical ideology that clouds their thinking processes and better judgment.
Wikipedia: Sergey Karaganov.
Wikipedia: Eurasianism.
Wikipedia: Russian world.
Wikipedia: All-Russian nation.
Wikipedia: Russian irredentism.
Wikipedia: Russification. - Aleksandr Gelyevich Dugin is a Russian political philosopher, analyst, and strategist known for views widely characterized as fascist. Considered by some in the West to be "Putin's brain," or "Putin's philosopher," Dugin is believed by some to have been the brains behind Russia's annexation of Crimea as part of Dugin's advocacy for Ukraine becoming "a purely administrative sector of the Russian centralized state", which he refers to as Novorossiya. Dugin is also believed to have laid the ideological groundwork for the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Dugin calls for an illiberal totalitarian Russian Empire to control the Eurasian continent from Dublin to Vladivostok to challenge America and "Atlanticism".Influential Eurasianist, Neo-Fascist, and Ultranationalist
Reminds me of the influential charlatan, Grigori Rasputin (The Mad Monk). This ultranationalist, fascist, bad-boy philosopher, has a really skewered world-view that borders on parody. It's no wonder Mr. Putin has such bad habits and delusions of grandeur with inspirational madmen like this.
P.S.: Don't be fooled by Mr. Dugin's scruffy beard. Contrary to popular belief, a scruffy beard does not necessarily denote superior wisdom (or sanity).
Wikipedia: Aleksandr Dugin - Foundations of Geopolitics - One son named Artur from his first wife Evgenia Debryanskaya and a daughter Darya Dugina by his second wife.
Update: Mr. Dugin's daughter Darya Dugina was killed on the 20th of August, 2022 after the car she was travelling in exploded. It is unclear if Darya or Mr. Dugin, who was expected to travel with his daughter but switched cars at the last minute, was the primary target of the assassination attempt. Already rumors are circulating with some blaming the Ukrainian government without any hard evidence (as of writing) to back up their claims. One thing is for sure, knowing how the Russian authorities operate, the rest of the world may never know who the actual perpetrators are or what their motivations behind the assassination were. Without a doubt, regardless who the actual perpetrators are, Mr. Putin will use this incident to his advantage and create a suitable narrative to further his political agenda and promote further action against Ukraine.
P.S: Interestingly, though it could very well be a red-herring, the date of the bombing took place on the same day and month Alexei Navalny was poisoned by agents of Russia's notorious Federal Security Service (FSB).
The Funeral of Darya Dugina
No parent should have to face the death of a child. The unfathomable grief Mr. Dugin must be experiencing for the loss of his daughter is no different to the grief suffered by any parent who has lost a child, regardless of what that parent's nationality, ethnicity, beliefs, or political affiliation may be. Yet, at his daughter's funeral, Mr. Dugin's eulogy speech makes direct mention of a Russian victory in Ukraine in honor of his lost daughter. A stated goal that has already resulted in the senseless murder of thousands of civilians, including parents who, just like himself, will continue to grieve the senseless loss of their child until their dying day. How is it then, that a man who considers himself a philosopher and a intellectual, cannot empathize or make the comparison with others that are experiencing the exact pain and sorrow he is experiencing? I think Mr. Dugin needs to take a deep hard look at himself and exorcise the ideological demons that have poisoned his soul. - Russian statesman and politician. Aide to the President of the Russian Federation since January 24, 2020. Acting State Advisor of the Russian Federation, 1st class. Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation from May 21, 2012 to January 15, 2020 (acting from May 8 to 18, 2018 and from January 15 to 21, 2020). Member of the All-Russian political party «United Russia». Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of the IV and V convocations (2004-2011), member of the Bureau of the Supreme Council of the political party «United Russia».Former Minister of Culture and Present Presidential Aide to Vladimir Putin
Plagiarist and ghostwriter of Mr. Putin who has played a role in constructing the ideological and historical edifice on which much of Mr. Putin's rule rests. Mr. Medinsky is also an author of a number of books with consistent themes of not only revisionist Russian history but a complete distortion of thereof, where facts don't matter and anything bad written about Russia is merely slander by enemies. Little wonder Mr. Medinsky became Mr. Putin's assistant during the time when Mr. Putin was self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic and becoming obsessed with Russian history in his spare time and needing someone to promote his self-serving and warped interpretation of Russian history.
New York Times: The Man Behind Putin's Warped View of History.
Wikipedia: Vladimir Medinsky. - Putin's Alleged Personal Banker
Corrupt billionaire who is a good buddy and personal advisor to Mr. Putin.
Wikipedia: Yury Kovalchuk. - Sergey Sobyanin was born on 21 June 1958 in Nyaksimvol, Khanty-Mansi AO, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia].Mayor of Moscow
Buddy of Mr. Putin who's job description is to redirect Moscow's money flow to the federal government and display unwavering loyalty to the Kremlin - Under the circumstances, Mr. Sobyanin's mayor-job can probably be considered high-risk and very stressful. I hope for his family's sake his life-insurance policies are up to date.
Wilson Center: The Battle for Moscow's Billions: Power and Money in the Russian Capital under Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Wikipedia: Sergey Sobyanin. - Anatoly Aleksandrovich Sobchak (10 August 1937 - 19 February 2000) was a Soviet and Russian politician, a co-author of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the first democratically elected mayor of Saint Petersburg, and a mentor and teacher of future presidents Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev. On 17 February 2000, Putin met with Sobchak and urged him to travel to Kaliningrad to support his election campaign.Mentor and Teacher of Both Vladimir Putin and Partner in Crime Dmitry Medvedev - Deceased.
I am sorry Mr. Sobchak, wherever you may be, your two students turned out to be a great disappointment.
Wikipedia: Anatoly Sobchak. - Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev is a Russian politician who has been serving as the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia since 2020. Medvedev also served as the president of Russia between 2008 and 2012 and prime minister of Russia between 2012 and 2020.
Medvedev was elected president in the 2008 election. He was regarded as more liberal than his predecessor, Vladimir Putin, who was also appointed prime minister during Medvedev's presidency. Medvedev's top agenda as president was a wide-ranging modernization programmer, aiming at modernizing Russia's economy and society, and lessening the country's reliance on oil and gas. During Medvedev's tenure, the New Start nuclear arms reduction treaty was signed by Russia and the United States, Russia emerged victorious in the Russo-Georgian War, and recovered from the Great Recession. Medvedev also launched an anti-corruption campaign, despite later being accused of corruption himself.
He served a single term in office and was succeeded by Putin following the 2012 presidential election. Medvedev was then appointed by Putin as prime minister. He resigned along with the rest of the government on 15 January 2020 to allow Putin to make sweeping constitutional changes; he was succeeded by Mikhail Mishustin on 16 January 2020. On the same day, Putin appointed Medvedev to the new office of deputy chairman of the Security Council.
In the views of some analysts, Medvedev's presidency did seem to promise positive changes, both at home and in ties with the West, signaling "the possibility of a new, more liberal period in Russian politics"; however, he later seemed to adopt increasingly radical positions.Corrupt Politician, Ex-President of Russia, and Putin Crony
Don't be fooled by the charms of this baby-faced man, he is a crook through and through. Ironically, he is known for launching an anti-corruption campaign, despite later being accused of corruption himself.
P.S.: This is the oldest trick in the book, the very people who set up commissions to investigate possible criminal wrongdoing, like corruption, are either the very people complicit in that criminal wrongdoing or participate in the very same type of crimes they are supposedly investigating. The perfect cover if ever there was one.
Wikipedia: Dmitry Medvedev - Married, has one son. - Writer
- Director
- Producer
Margarita Simonyan was born on 6 April 1980 in Krasnodar, Krasnodarskiy kray, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia]. She is a writer and director, known for Full Skripal Case Interview with the UK's Suspects (2018), The Crimean Bridge. Made with Love! (2018) and Aktrisa (2017).Propagandist and Editor-in-Chief of Russian State-Controlled Media Organizations RT and Rossiya Segodnya
Russian propagandist sanctioned by the European Union as "a central figure of the Russian government propaganda" responsible for "actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine". It is stated; Mrs. Simonyan sets the informational direction of the main abroad state propaganda source, which positions itself as the main weapon of information warfare against the entire Western world. She has boasted that RT is capable of "conducting an information war against the whole Western world" - In other words, what Mrs. Simonyan is openly admitting is that, in service of the state, RT is being weaponized to intentionally spin falsehoods and disinformation around the world.
Wikipedia: Margarita Simonyan - Married (1 daughter), divorced, married to Tigran Keosayan (3 children together).
Wikipedia: RT (TV network).
Wikipedia: Rossiya Segodnya.- Writer
- Producer
- Actor
Tucker Swanson McNear Carlson is an American television host, conservative political commentator and author who has hosted the nightly political talk show Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News since 2016. Carlson was born Tucker McNear Carlson in the Mission District of San Francisco, California, on May 16, 1969. He is the elder son of artist and San Francisco native Lisa McNear (née Lombardi) (1945-2011) and Dick Carlson (1941-), a former "gonzo reporter" who became the director of Voice of America, president of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the U.S. ambassador to the Seychelles. Carlson's brother, Buckley Peck Carlson, later Buckley Swanson Peck Carlson, is nearly two years younger and has worked as a communications manager and Republican political operative.American Television Host, Conservative Political Commentator, and Putin Sycophant
The darling of Russian state-media. This pro-Putin apologist, and spreader of numerous conspiracy theories, is much loved by the Kremlin for spreading their propaganda. Not only in Russia but, in the United States as well. And yes, Mr. Carlson, you are a traitor. Not because you are being targeted for factual criticisms, but because of your sensation-seeking lies and disinformation. You may think you have pulled the wool over the eyes of millions of viewers, but millions can also see you for the phony that you really are. We know you are merely spreading your sensation-seeking nonsense to widen your viewership and ultimately line your own pockets. And, if by some remarkable twist, you actually believe the B.S. you spin, you are then in dire need of some serious psychiatric help.
Have you no scruples Mr. Carlson? I suggest you immigrate to Russia. I am certain the Kremlin will welcome you with open arms. One word of advice though; please be careful what you say there on state-television. Russia is not as accommodating as the United States when you say something negative about them. You may find yourself in some Gulag somewhere, doing hard labor.
P.S.: And, please Mr. Carlson, stop whining about how your freedom of speech is being violated. Have at least some dignity. We all know this is simply a deceptive method to gain sympathy by paradoxically stating that 'you' are the victim of those who want to hide or manipulate the truth. It's pathetic.
Wikipedia: Tucker Carlson.
US Rightwing Figures in Step with Kremlin over Ukraine Disinformation, Experts Say
The Guardian | Article: US rightwing figures in step with Kremlin over Ukraine Disinformation, experts say.
Wikipedia: Disinformation in the 2021-2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis.
Update - February 8, 2024: The Tucker Carlson / Vladimir Putin Interview
Yes folks, it comes as no surprise Mr. Putin's favorite pro-Putin, American commentator, Tucker Carlson is granted an interview. What a perfect opportunity for Mr. Putin to spread his B.S. and propaganda without the need to worry that his friendly host may ask some "unfriendly" or controversial questions that may not sit well with the narrative the Kremlin is spinning. I think the time has come to grant Mr. Carlson an honorary Russian citizenship. He certainly more than deserves it.
Wikipedia: The Vladimir Putin Interview.- Marjorie Taylor Greene was born on 27 May 1974 in Milledgeville, Georgia, USA. She is an actress, known for PBS NewsHour (1975), Steve Bannon: Master of Chaos (2023) and Michelle Malkin Sovereign Nation (2020). She was previously married to Perry Greene."Moscow Marjorie" - Member of Congress, Conspiracy Theorist, and Putin Sycophant
Yet another darling of Russian state media. This pro-Putin American-Republican-member-of-Congress is not only a notorious spreader of numerous insane conspiracy theories and someone who mimics all the B.S. and propaganda coming from the Kremlin but, has achieved what many thought absolutely impossible, Marjorie has actually given politics an even worse name than it already has. Now that's what I call an achievement.
The only thing more baffling than "Moscow Marjorie" being elected to Congress is that she was actually reelected to Congress for a second time round. Can someone please explain to me what exactly her role in Congress is besides creating anarchy and disfunction? And what exactly are her achievements in helping the American people besides spreading extremism, hate and lies? What do the American people see in this woman and what is it that she represents for them? And if nothing else, what qualities does she have that makes her a good role-model for young people to follow? It can't be that she is an upstanding conservative-Christian-Republican, I mean, she's even been expelled from the conservative House Freedom Caucus, drawn criticism from her fellow Republicans, and mocked by rightwing media.
I wonder, does Marjorie actually believe the antisemitic, white supremacist conspiracy theories that she spreads, and does she actually believe the lies perpetuated by the Kremlin that she so adamantly defends and uses to undermine the United States and its allies?
Well, for whatever reason or motive Marjorie is doing what she is doing and causing so much trouble, there is one thing that is for certain, Mr. Putin and his cronies sure are very happy about it and is a regular feature on Russian state-owned television.
Wikipedia: Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Yahoo! News: Fact Check: Russian TV Described Marjorie Taylor Greene as a 'Demonstrably Heterosexual' Beauty. Here's What Else We Learned. - Writer
- Producer
- Director
Vladimir Solovyov was born on 20 October 1963 in Moscow, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia]. He is a writer and producer, known for Miroporyadok-2018 (2018), Park Sovetskogo perioda (2006) and Operatsiya Edelveys: Poslednyaya tayna (2012).Russian Television Host, Propagandist, and Putin Sycophant
Yet another darling of Russian state media that spreads their propaganda (but I do understand to a certain degree, he is Russian after all).
Mr. Solovyov is an anchor on the television show "Evening with Vladimir Solovyov" on the state-owned television channel "Russia-1" who is also known for hosting the propaganda show intended to improve Mr. Putin's ratings; "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin.", where he rambles on for an hour about all the great deeds Mr. Putin has done over the past week and what a great leader Mr. Putin is to Russia. And like his American comrades, Mr. Carlson and Moscow Marjorie (see above), Mr. Solovyov has also proven himself very adept as a charismatic and unscrupulous Kremlin propagandist who excels at spreading lies and disinformation to an audience inside of Russia, and outside of Russia, willing to believe his unsubstantiated sensation-seeking B.S.
Wikipedia: Vladimir Solovyov (TV presenter).- Producer
- Writer
- Director
Konstantin Ernst was born on 6 February 1961 in Moscow, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia]. He is a producer and writer, known for Day Watch (2006), 72 metra (2004) and Night Watch (2004).Putin Sycophant and CEO of State-Controlled Channel One Russia
Greedy and corrupt CEO of state-controlled propaganda television channel, Channel One Russia known as a source covering and promoting illegal repressive measures against the opposition and inciting social hostility.
Wikipedia: Konstantin Ernst.- Ex-Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Known for His Extravagant Lifestyle
For Example: Uses a £38 million jet to transport his wife's corgis to dog shows across Europe.
P.S.: Don't you find it strange with all the anti-European sentiment flowing from Russia, so many Russians appear not only to love European culture but embrace it too? I mean, these Russian oligarchs have basically invaded Europe, and are using it as their personal playground. I mean, cor blimey! They already own half of London, mate! And not to mention the myriad of properties and businesses they own throughout Europe. I don't want to be a conspiracy theorist, but didn't the Russian invasion already start in the early 1990s with the rise of the Russian oligarchs?
Wikipedia: Igor Shuvalov - Married with two sons and two daughters. - Vladimir Potanin was born on 3 January 1961 in Moscow, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia].Russian Uber-Oligarch and Close Friend of Mr. Putin
Notorious fraudster and buddy of Mr. Putin who is considered the richest man in Russia (after Mr. Vladimir Putin, that is) who is reportedly worth an estimated $24.2 billion.
Wikipedia: Vladimir Potanin.
List of Russian Billionaires
Wikipedia: List of Russian billionaires. - Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich is a Russian oligarch, businessman, philanthropist and politician. He is best known outside Russia as the former owner of Chelsea, a Premier League football club in London, England, and is the primary owner of the private investment company Millhouse LLC. He was formerly Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug from 2000 to 2008. According to Forbes, Abramovich's net worth was US$14.5 billion in 2021, making him the second-richest person in Israel, the eleventh-richest in Russia and the richest person in Portugal. Abramovich enriched himself in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, obtaining Russian state-owned assets at prices far below market value in Russia's controversial loans-for-shares privatization program. Abramovich is considered to have a good relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin.Putin Confidant and Russian Oligarch Who Enriched Himself Following the Collapse of the Soviet Union
Wikipedia: Roman Abramovich - Married and divorced three times, has seven children. - Producer
- Actor
Alisher Usmanov was born on 9 September 1953 in Chust, Uzbek SSR, USSR [now Uzbekistan]. He is a producer and actor, known for Dear Comrades! (2020), Sin (2019) and My Pure Land (2017).Russian Oligarch Who Enriched Himself Following the Collapse of the Soviet Union
Wikipedia: Alisher Usmanov - Married with stepson.- Sergei Pavlovich Roldugin is a Russian cellist and businessman, based in St Petersburg. He is a close friend of Vladimir Putin. He has been implicated in several money laundering and offshore wealth schemes for Russian elites. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union sanctioned Roldugin.Close Friend of Putin - Russian Cellist and Businessman Implicated in Several Money Laundering and Offshore Wealth Schemes for Russian Elites
I think Mr. Roldugin should stick to playing the cello.
Wikipedia: Sergei Roldugin - Married. - Arkadiy Rotenberg was born on 15 December 1951 in Leningrad, USSR.Russian Oligarch Who Is a Close Confidant, Business Partner, and Childhood Friend of Putin
Yes folks it's true, Mr. Rotenberg is rotten to the core.
Wikipedia: Arkady Rotenberg - Divorced, five children. - Head of the Investigative Committee of Russia and Friend of Putin
Considered an intimate advisor of Mr. Putin who were previously classmates when both attended Leningrad State University in the 1970s. Mr. Bastrykin who serves as the Head of the Investigative Committee is known for various controversies such as plagiarism, owning illegal real estate in the Czech Republic, violating the freedom of speech provisions of the Constitution of Russia, charging without any evidence Ukrainian prisoners of war with crimes against humanity, and threatening and fabricating criminal cases against journalists, activists and opposition representatives. Judging by his track-record, shouldn't it actually be Mr. Bastrykin who should be under investigation by the Investigative Committee?
Wikipedia: Alexander Bastrykin. - CEO of the Rostec Corporation and Friend of Putin Who Enriched Himself When Putin Became President
Former KGB agent and high-ranking general who befriended Mr. Putin when both were stationed in East Germany in the 1980s and who enriched himself when Mr. Putin came to power.
Wikipedia: Sergey Chemezov - Married, has four children. - Yevgeny Prigozhin was born on 1 June 1961 in Leningrad, RSFSR, USSR [now St. Petersburg, Russia]. He was a producer, known for Rzhev (2019), Erin Burnett OutFront (2011) and Arte Journal (1998). He died on 23 August 2023 in Kuzhenkino, Tver Oblast, Russia.Wanted by the FBI - "Putin's Chef" - Russian Oligarch with Close Ties to Putin and Head of the Ruthless Mercenary Group Known as the 'Wagner Group' - Deceased (and good riddance)
I believe "Putin's Chef" makes a wicked Pelmeni - though judging by his sordid career I think one should be wary of exactly what ingredients he uses to fill his tasty dumplings.
Wikipedia: Yevgeny Prigozhin - Married with a daughter.
Update - January 22, 2023: Mr. Putin Feels Mr. Prigozhin is Getting too Big for His Army-Boots
For quite some time Mr. Prigozhin has been pushing the narrative that his 50,000 strong Wagner Group of mercenaries, comprising of an estimated 40,000 convicts, are the only ones capable of booking success in Ukraine. Mr. Prigozhin has likewise been very critical of the Russian Ministry of Defense and has portrayed himself as a commander who gets things done. There is little doubt the ambitious Mr. Prigozhin wants to legitimize the Wagner Group as an alternative fighting force to the Russian military and promote himself to a higher position in the Russian government. However, while Mr. Prigozhin has booked some success in Ukraine and Mr. Putin was willing to put up with Mr. Prigozhin's criticisms of the Russian military and boastful ways as long as he was having success on the battlefield, recent unfulfilled promises is changing all that. It appears Mr. Putin has acknowledged Mr. Prigozhin is starting to outgrow his usefulness and needs to be cut down to size, and Russia is now promoting the traditional military command structure as the true defenders of the Motherland. I think Mr. Prigozhin had better start behaving himself. We all know what happens to people in Mr. Putin's sphere that do not show absolute loyalty to him and get too big for their boots.
ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 22, 2023.
Update - March 12, 2023: A Comprehensive Timeline of the Rivalry Between Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Russian Ministry of Defense
ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 12, 2023.
Wagner Group - Russian Paramilitary Organization that Operates Above the Law with Various Elements Linked to Neo-Nazis and Far-Right Extremists
Wikipedia: Wagner Group
Update: June 23-24, 2023: The Wagner Group Rebellion
Through his many criticisms and outbursts on social media, not only has Mr. Prigozhin managed to make multiple enemies within the Russian Ministry of Defense but through his short-lived rebellion has directly humiliated Mr. Putin and exposed his weaknesses on the global stage. And we all know what happens to those who cross or undermine Russia's beloved dictator. Without any doubt whatsoever, the demise of Mr. Prigozhin (who will be inevitably assassinated) is only a question of when, where, and how.
Wagner Group rebellion.
Update: August 23, 2023: The Tver Plane Crash
As predicted by expert and layman alike, Mr. Prigozhin has eventually met his end. Though questioned by many why it took so long for Mr. Putin to eliminate Mr. Prigozhin after the humiliation he suffered as a result of the Wagner leader's short-lived coup and march on Moscow, it becomes abundantly clear Mr. Putin was biding his time in collecting information on Mr. Prigozhin and other potential cohorts and waiting for the most opportune moment to strike. Decapitating the Wagner leadership (who mistakenly believed the Kremlin's assurances of immunity) and seriously crippling the Wagner company in one fell swoop. The dramatic method of blowing a private aircraft out of the sky, instead of some more clandestine way of assassination, is yet another example of Mr. Putin sending a very clear message, especially to the elites within Russia, of the fate that awaits anyone who dares to cross him.
Wikipedia: 2023 Tver plane crash.
Dmitry Utkin - Alleged Founder of the Wagner Group - Deceased (and good riddance)
Wikipedia: Dmitry Utkin.
Valery Chekalov - Head of Logistics for the Wagner Group - Deceased (and good riddance)
Wikipedia: Valery Chekalov.
Update - December 22, 2023: Wall Street Journal: Russian Security Council Secretary Ordered Prigozhin's Assassination
The Kyiv Independent: WSJ: Russian Security Council secretary ordered Prigozhin's assassination.
Wikipedia: Nikolai Patrushev.
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Rusich Group - Combat Detachment of a Pro-Russian Neo-Nazi Right-Wing Group with Reportedly Close Connections to the Wagner Group
Wikipedia: Rusich Group.
Alexey Milchakov
Russian born self-proclaimed Nazi, war-criminal, and co-leader and co-founder of the Rusich Group. Mr. Milchakov's (who goes by the call sign "Fritz") claim to fame includes committing war-crimes in Syria and Ukraine, posting footage online of him torturing and decapitating a puppy and bragging about it, calling for the killing of homeless people and puppies and children on his social media page, cutting ears off Ukrainian corpses and scratching swastikas on their faces - I think one can state, without the usual necessity of an official clinical psychological evaluation; this crazed Russian Nazi is most-definitely a confirmed psychopath.
Wikipedia: Alexey Milchakov.
Igor Mangushev - Deceased (and good riddance)
Yet another notorious Russian-born crazed-Nazi-nationalist fighting for Mr. Putin who's rationale of the war in Ukraine was to destroy Ukrainian national identity and terminate the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state. Unfortunately for Mr. Mangushev his genocidal dreams came to an abrupt halt after being shot in the back of the head at a Russian checkpoint in Kadiivka, Luhansk on the 4th of February 2023.
Wikipedia: Igor Mangushev - Founder of: Svetlaya Rus and E.N.O.T. Corp.
Who Are The Neo-Nazis Fighting In Ukraine?
The very fact that the Kremlin embraces Neo-Nazi groups to fight in Ukraine while spinning Russia invaded Ukraine to de-nazify the country is further proof of the absurdity of the denazification narrative pushed by Mr. Putin.
Radio Free Europe: Who Are The Neo-Nazis Fighting In Ukraine?
Vladlen Tatarsky (Maxim Yuryevich Fomin) - Deceased (and good riddance)
Yet another crazed Russian ultranationalist, propagandist, prominent military blogger and convicted bank robber known for calling for more strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and killing civilians in the process, and stating things like; Ukraine is a terrorist state, and calling for the killing of all Ukrainians and robbing them. Mr. Tatarsky is also know for producing jihadist propaganda, criticizing Russia's conduct of the war (including its commanders), and having close ties to the paramilitary Wagner Group and its infamous leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. Unfortunately for Mr. Tatarsky, his lucrative blogger career came to an abrupt halt when he was blown-up in an explosion while attending an event in Saint Petersburg as a guest-speaker. However, the exact motive and perpetrators of the assassination remains a mystery. Contrary to the usual Russian knee-jerk reaction of blaming the Ukrainians, it has been suggested in Russia itself the killing of Mr. Tatarsky may have been conducted by the Kremlin to warn other Russian commentators to temper their criticism of the Russian state's conduct of the war, intimidate Wagner-related actors who could pose a threat to Mr. Putin, and control the information space to spoon-feed more lies, disinformation and various other forms of B.S. to the Russian-people of how great the war is going for the Russian military and all the so-called "Nazis" they are eradicating in Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Vladlen Tatarsky.
Wikipedia: 2023 Saint Petersburg bombing. - Born the fourth of six children to Austrian customs officer Alois Hitler--who had been married twice before--and the former Klara Polzl, Adolf Hitler grew up in a small Austrian town in the late 19th century. He was a slow learner and did poorly in school. He was frequently beaten by his authoritarian father. Things got worse when Adolf's older brother, Alois Jr., ran away from home. His mild-mannered mother occasionally tried to shield him, but was ineffectual. Adolf's attempt to run away at 11 was unsuccessful. At the age of 14 he was freed when his hated father died - an event that he did not mourn.
Hitler dropped out of high school at age 16 and went to Vienna, where he strove to become an artist, but was refused twice by the Vienna Art Academy. By this time Hitler had become an ardent German nationalist--although he was not German but Austrian--and when World War I broke out, he crossed into Germany and joined a Bavarian regiment in the German army. He was assigned as a message runner but also saw combat. Temporarily blinded after a gas attack in Flanders in 1918, he received the Iron Cross 2nd Class and was promoted from private to corporal. In 1918, when the war ended, Hitler stayed in the army and was posted to the Intelligence division. He was assigned to spy on several radical political parties that were considered a threat to the German government. One such organization was the German Workers' Party. Hitler was drawn by party founder Dietrich Eckart, a morphine addict who propagated doctrines of mysticism and anti-Semitism. Hitler soon joined the party with the help of his military intelligence ties. He became party spokesman in 1919, renamed it the National Socalist German Workers Party (NSDAP/NAZI) and declared himself its Führer (leader) one year later. In 1920 Hitler's intelligence handler, Munich-based colonel named Karl Haushofer, introduced the swastika insignia. In 1921 Haushofer founded the paramilitary Storm Troopers ("Sturmabteilung", or SA), composed of German veterans of WWI and undercover military intelligence officers. They helped Hitler to organize a coup attempt--the infamous "beer hall putsch"--against the Bavarian government in Munich in 1923, but it failed. The "rebels" marched on Munich's city hall, which was cordoned off by police. Hitler's men fired at the police and missed; the police fired back and didn't, resulting in several of Hitler's fellow Nazis being shot dead. Hitler himself was arrested, convicted of treason and sent to prison. During his prison time he was coached by his advisers and dictated his book "Mein Kampf" ("My Struggle") to his deputy Rudolf Hess. He only served several months in prison before being released. By 1925 the Nazi party was in much better straits both organizationally and financially, as it had secured the backing of a large group of wealthy conservative German industrialists, who funneled huge amounts of money into the organization. Hitler was provided with a personal bodyguard unit named the "Schutzstaffel", better known as the SS. The Nazis began to gain considerable support in Germany through their network of army and WWI veterans, and Hitler ran for President in 1931. Defeated by the incumbent Paul von Hindenburg, Hitler next attempted to become Chancellor of Germany. Through under-the-table deals with powerful conservative businessmen and right-wing politicians, Hitler was appointed Chancellor in January 1933. One month later, a mysterious fire--which the Nazis claimed had been started by "terrorists" but was later discovered to have been set by the Nazis themselves--destroyed the Reichstag (the building housing the German parliament). Then Hitler's machine began to issue a series of emergency decrees that gave the office of Chancellor more and more power.
In March of 1933 Hitler persuaded the German parliament to pass the Enabling Act, which made the Chancellor dictator of Germany and gave him more power than the President. Two months later Hitler began "cleaning house"; he abolished trade unions and ordered mass arrests of members of rival political groups. By the end of 1933 the Nazi Party was the only one allowed in Germany. In June of 1934 Hitler turned on his own and ordered the purge of the now radical SA--that he now saw as a potential threat to his power--which was led by one of his oldest friends, a thug and street brawler named Ernst Röhm. Röhm's ties to Hitler counted for nothing, as Hitler ordered him assassinated. Soon President Hindenburg died, and Hitler merged the office of President with the office of Chancellor. In 1935 the anti-Jewish Nuremburg laws were passed on Hitler's authorization. A year later, with Germany now under his total control, he sent troops into the Rhineland, which was a violation of the World War I Treaty of Versailles. In 1938 he forced the union of Austria with Germany and also took the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia near the German border with a large ethnic German population, on the pretext of "protecting" the German population from the Czechs. In March 1939 Hitler overran the rest of Czechoslovakia. On 23 August 1939 Hitler and Joseph Stalin made a non-aggression treaty. In September of 1939 Hitler and Stalin invaded Poland. France and the British Commonwealth and Empire declared war on Germany. In 1940 Germany occupied Denmark, Norway and the Low Countries, and launched a major offensive against France. Paris fell and France surrendered, after which Hitler considered invading the UK. However, after the German Air Force was defeated in the Battle of Britain, the invasion was canceled. The British had begun bombing German cities in May 1940, and four months later Hitler retaliated by ordering the Blitz. In 1941 German troops assisted Italy, which under dictator Benito Mussolini was a German ally, in its takeover of Yugoslavia and Greece. Meanwhile, in Germany and the occupied countries, a program of mass extermination of Jews had begun.
On June 22, 1941, German forces invaded the Soviet Union. In addition to more than 4,000,000 German troops, there were additional forces from German allies Romania, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Spain and Finland, among others. Hitler used multinational forces in order to save Germans for the future colonization of the Russian lands. Following the detailed Nazi plan, code-named "Barbarossa," Hitler was utilizing resources of entire Europe under Nazi control to feed the invasion of Russia. Three groups of Nazi armies invaded Russia: Army Group North besieged Leningrad for 900 days, Army Group Center reached Moscow and Army Group South occupied Ukraine, reached Caucasus and Stalingrad. After a series of initial successes, however, the German Armies were stopped at Moscow, Leningrad and Stalingrad. Leningrad was besieged by the Nazis for 900 days until the city of 4,000,000 virtually starved itself to death. Only in January of 1944 was Marshal Georgi Zhukov able to finally defeat the German forces and liberate the city, finally lifting the siege after a cost of some 2,000,000 lives. In 1943 several major battles occurred at Kursk (which became the largest tank battle in history), Kharkov and Stalingrad, all of which the Germans lost. The battle for Stalingrad was one of the largest in the history of mankind. At Stalingrad alone the Germans lost 360,000 troops, in addition to the losses suffered by Italian, Hungarian, Romanian, Czech, Croatian and other forces, but the Russians lost over one million men. By 1944--the same year the Western allies invaded occupied Europe--Germany was retreating on both fronts and its forces in Africa had been completely defeated, resulting in the deaths and/or surrender of several hundred thousand troops. Total human losses during the six years of war were estimated at 60,000,000, of which 27,000,000 were Russians, Ukrainians, Jews and other people in Soviet territory. Germany lost over 11,000,000 soldiers and civilians. Poland and Yugoslavia lost over 3,000,000 people each. Italy and France lost over 1,000,000 each. Most nations of Central and Eastern Europe suffered severe--and in some cases total--economic destruction.
Hitler's ability to act as a figurehead of the Nazi machine was long gone by late 1944. Many of his closest advisers and handlers had already fled to other countries, been imprisoned and/or executed by the SS for offenses both real--several assassination attempts on Hitler--and imagined, or had otherwise absented themselves from Hitler's inner circle. For many years Hitler was kept on drugs by his medical personnel. In 1944 a group of German army officers and civilians pulled off an almost successful assassination attempt on Hitler, but he survived. Hitler, by the beginning of 1945, was a frail, shaken man who had almost totally lost touch with reality. The Russians reached Berlin in April of that year and began a punishing assault on the city. As their forces approached the bunker where Hitler and the last vestiges of his government were holed up, Hitler killed himself. Just a day earlier he had married his longtime mistress Eva Braun. Hitler's corpse was taken to Moscow and later shown to Allied Army Commanders and diplomats. Joseph Stalin showed Hitler's personal items to Winston Churchill and Harry S. Truman at the Potsdam Conference after the victory. Hitler's personal gun was donated to the museum of the West Point Military Academy in New York. Some of his personal items are now part of the permanent collection at the National History Museum in Moscow, Russia.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin - Deceased (and good riddance)
Strange to think Mr. Putin keeps speaking about eradicating Nazis yet, has adopted a very similar fascist agenda to that of the Nazis and many of the characteristics of Russia's greatest nemesis of them all, Herr Hitler himself. Makes you wonder if Mr. Putin does not secretly admire Hitler by behaving in a very similar manner? You know what they say; imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Wikipedia: Adolf Hitler. - Additional Crew
Joseph Stalin (a code name meaning "Man of Steel") was born Iosif (Joseph) Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili in 1878 in Gori, Georgia, the Transcaucasian part of the Russian Empire. His father was a cobbler named Vissarion Dzhugashvili, a drunkard who beat him badly and frequently and left the family when Joseph was young. His mother, Ekaterina Gheladze, supported herself and her son (her other three children died young and Jopseph was effectively an only child) by taking in washing. She managed, despite great hardship, to send Joseph to school and then on to Tiflis Orthodox Theological Seminary in Tbilisi, hoping he would become a priest. However, after three years of studies he was expelled in 1899, for not attending an exam and for propagating communist ideas and the books of Karl Marx.
Since 1898, Stalin became active in the Communist underground as the organizer of a powerful gang involved in a series of armed robberies. After robbing several banks in southern Russia, Stalin delivered the stolen money to Vladimir Lenin to finance the Communist Party. Stalin's gang was also involved in the murders of its political opponents; Stalin himself was arrested seven times, repeatedly imprisoned, and twice exiled to Siberia between 1902 and 1913. During those years he changed his name twice and became more closely identified with revolutionary Marxism. He escaped many times from prison and was shuttling money between Lenin and other communists in hiding, where his intimacy with Lenin and Bukharin grew, as did his dissatisfaction with fellow Communist leader Lev Trotskiy. In 1912 he was co-opted on to the illegal Communist Central Committee. At that time he wrote propaganda articles, and later edited the Communist paper, "Pravda" (Truth). As Lenin's apprentice he joined the Communist majority (Bolsheviks), and was responsible for the consolidation of several secret communist cells into a larger ring. Stalin's Communist ring in St. Petersburg and across Russia played the leading role in the Russian Revolution of 1917. After the revolution the Bolsheviks Communists grabbed the power, then Communists murdered the Tsar and the Russian royal family. Stalin and Lenin took over the Tsar's palaces and used the main one in Kremlin as their private residence.
Lenin appointed Stalin the People's Commissar for Nationalities in the first Soviet government and a member of the Communist Politburo, thus giving him unlimited power. Stalin led the "Reds" against anti-Communist forces known as the "Whites" and also in the war with Poland. He also organized "Red Terror" in Tsaritsin (later renamed Stalingrad). With his appointment as General Secretary to the Party Central Committee in 1922, a post he held for the next 30 years, until his death, he consolidated the power that would ensure his control of the country after Lenin's death in 1924. He also took, or gave himself, other key positions that enabled him to amass total power in the Party and Soviet government.
Stalin was known for his piercing eyes and terrifying stare, which he used to cow his opponents into submission during private discussions. In 1927 Stalin requested medical help for his insomnia, anger and severe anxiety disorder. His doctors diagnosed him as having "typical clinical paranoia" and recommended medical treatment. Instead, Stalin became angry and summoned his secret service agents. The next day the chief psychiatrist, Dr. Bekhterev, and his assistants died of poisoning. In addition, before the doctors' diagnosis about Stalin's mental condition could become known, he ordered the executions of intellectuals, resulting in the murders of hundreds of thousands of doctors, professors, writers, and others.
Stalin's policy of amassing dictatorial power under the guise of building "socialism in the country" resulted in brutal extermination of all real and perceived anti-Communist opposition. His purges of the Soviet military brought about the execution of tens of thousands of army officers, many of them experienced combat veterans of the Revolution, the Civil War, the Polish campaigns and other military operations (this decimation of the Russian officer corps would result in the Soviet Union's initial defeats at the hands of Nazi invaders at the beginning of World War II). He also isolated and disgraced his political rivals, notably Trotsky. Stalin's economic policies of strict centralized planning (i.e., the "five-year plans") resulted in the near ruination of the Soviet economy and mass famines in many areas of the Soviet Union, notably in Central Russia and the Ukraine. Popular resistance to Stalin's policies, such as nationalization of private lands and collective farming, by independent farmers ("kulaks"), brought about brutal retaliation, in which millions of kulaks were either forced off their land or executed outright. Altogether Stalin's economic and political policies resulted in the deaths of up to 10 million peasants during 1926-1934. Between 1934 and 1939 he organized and led massive purge (known as "The Great Terror") of the party, government, armed forces and intelligentsia, in which millions of so-called "enemies of the Soviet people" were imprisoned, exiled or executed. In the late 1930s, Stalin sent some Red Army forces and material to support the Spanish Republican government in its fight against the rebels led by Gen. Francisco Franco and aided by troops and material from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Stalin made the Non-Aggression Pact with Adolf Hitler in 1939, which bought the Soviet Union two years' respite from involvement in World War 2. After the German invasion in 1941, the USSR became a member of the Grand Alliance and Stalin, as war leader, assumed the title of Generalissimus. He had no formal military training and scorned the advice of his senior officers, due to suspicion and his rising paranoia, actions that resulted in horrific losses to the Russian military in both men and material (not to mention civilian losses). He rejected military plans made by such experienced officers as Marshal Georgi Zhukov, and insisted they be replaced by his own plans, which led to even more horrific losses. Towards the end of WWII he took part in the conferences of Teheran, Yalta and Potsdam with Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Harry S. Truman and Clement Attlee. The agreements reached in those conferences resulted in Soviet military and political control over the liberated countries of postwar Castern and Central Europe.
From 1945 until his death Stalin resumed his repressive measures at home, resulting in censorship of the arts, literature and cinema, forced exiles of hundreds of thousands and the executions of intellectuals and other potential "enemies of the state". At that time he conducted foreign policies that contributed to the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the West. Stalin had little interest in family life, although he was married twice and had several mistresses. His first wife (Ekaterina Svanidze, married c. 1904) died three years after their marriage and left a son, Jacob (also known as Yacov), an officer in the Russian army during World War II who was captured by the Nazis and died in a POW camp (his father refused German offers to exchange him for captured German officers). His second wife (Nadezhda Alliluyeva, married 1919) attempted to moderate his politics, but she died by suicide, leaving a daughter, Svetlana Alliluyeva, and an alcoholic son, Vasili Stalin, who later died in exile. Increasingly paranoid, Stalin launched attacks on such intellectuals as Osip Mandelstam, Vsevolod Meyerhold, Anna Akhmatova, Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev, Boris Pasternak, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and many other cultural luminaries. Stalin personally intervened in the fate of "counterrevolutionary" Yiddish writers and changed their sentences from exile to execution. Thirteen of them were executed by the Soviet secret police; their leader, Perets Markish, was executed in the typical KGB manner by a single gunshot to the head on August 12, 1952, in Moscow.
Stalin died suddenly on March 5, 1953, under somewhat mysterious circumstances, after announcing his intention to arrest Jewish doctors, whom he believed were plotting to kill him. The "official" cause of death was announced as brain hemorrhage. Stalin's apprentice, Georgi Malenkov, took the power, but was soon ousted by Nikita Khrushchev. Three years after death, Stalin was posthumously denounced by Nikita Khrushchev at the 20th Party Congress in 1956 for crimes against the Party and for building a "cult of personality." In 1961 Stalin's body was removed from Lenin's Mausoleum, where it had been displayed since his death, and buried near the Kremlin wall. In 1964 Leonid Brezhnev dismissed Khrushchev and brought back some of Stalin's hard-line policies. After 1986 Mikhail Gorbachev initiated a series of liberal political reforms known as "glasnost" and "perstroika", and many of Stalin's victims were posthumously rehabilitated, and the whole phenomenon of "Stalinism" was officially condemned by the Russian authorities.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin - Notoriously Brutal Dictator of the Soviet Union Much Admired by Putin - Deceased (and good riddance)
It comes as no surprise Mr. Putin behaves the way he does when he finds inspiration from despots such as this.
Wikipedia: Joseph Stalin.
Wikipedia: Excess mortality in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin.
Wikipedia: Stalinism.
In Retrospect - Holodomor - The Man-Made Famine in Ukraine Engineered by Joseph Stalin
College of Liberal Arts: Holodomor | Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
History Repeats - Russia Smuggling Ukrainian Grain to Help Pay for Putin's War
PBS: Russia smuggling Ukrainian Grain to Help Pay for Putin's War.
How the Russian Invasion of Ukraine has Further Aggravated the Global Food Crisis
Consilium: How the Russian invasion of Ukraine has further aggravated the global food crisis.- Ramzan Kadyrov was born on 5 October 1976 in Tsentaroi, Chechen-Ingush ASSR, Russian SFSR, USSR [now Akhmat-Yurt, Chechen Republic, Russia].Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Putin supporter, brutal despot and Chechen leader know as "Putin's attack dog", who's claim to fame includes; crimes against humanity, widespread forced disappearances and torture, restricting public lives of women, anti-gay purges, kidnappings, and assassinations - See: The Kadyrovites.
Wikipedia: Ramzan Kadyrov - 3 wives and 12 children (6 sons (2 adopted), 6 daughters).
Update: On 1 October 2022, Kadyrov called on Russia to use low-yield nuclear weapons in Ukraine, in response to Russia losing the important Ukrainian town of Lyman - Two days later, he announced he was deploying three underage sons, aged 14, 15, and 16, as child soldiers to the front line in Ukraine, a possible war crime. - Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko is a Belarusian politician who has been the first and only president of Belarus since the establishment of the office on 20 July 1994, making him the longest-sitting European president. Before his political career, Lukashenko worked as director of a state farm (sovkhoz), and served in the Soviet Border Troops and in the Soviet Army.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
A real character, this one. This Belarusian dictator's claim to fame includes (among many others); spreading disinformation, fraudulent elections, suppression and torture of those who oppose him, kidnapping, murder, and military support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It's no surprise Mr. Lukashenko and his bosom buddy Mr. Putin see eye to eye - they have so many things in common.
Wikipedia: Alexander Lukashenko - Married with two sons and one son from an extramarital affair.
Wikipedia: 2022 rail war in Belarus.
Update February 21, 2023: Leaked Document Reveals Alleged Kremlin Plan to Take Over Belarus by 2030
The Kyiv Independent: Leaked document reveals alleged Kremlin plan to take over Belarus by 2030. - Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Putin supporter and supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Eritrean dictator and president of Eritrea - A one party state with no functioning constitution, no elections, no legislature and no published budget. Mr. Isaias is the sole power in the country, controlling its judiciary and a military made up of forced conscripts. Under the government of Mr. Isaias, Eritrea has the distinction of being ranked last out of 180 countries by Reporters Without Borders in its Press Freedom Index. Mr. Isaias has also been accused of leading a totalitarian government, human rights violations that may amount to crimes against humanity, the imprisonment of at least 10,000 political prisoners, torture, and widespread interrogation and coercion - Is it any wonder Mr. Putin and Mr. Isaias see eye to eye when they engage in such similar activities in their respective countries?
Wikipedia: Isaias Afwerki - Married, has three children. - Bashar al-Assad has been the Syrian Dictator since 2000, he was born on September 11, 1965 in Damascus, Syria. He has been married to Asma Al Akhras since December 2000. They have three children. He is the son of Hafez al-Assad who ran as dictator. He went to school to be a medical doctor. His brother Bassel died in a car crash in 1994. So after he was called back to the Syrian army and was prepared to be a dictator for the country Syria, in 2000 he became Dictator of Syria after his father passed away. He had made a reform on the Damascus Spring which led to the shutdown of Mezzeh prison and releasing the Muslim prisoners. During the War on Terror he allied with the West and interrogated people believed to be al-Qaeda suspects. In 2005 Rafic Hariri was assassinated in the car bombing at the hotel in Lebanon. Soon afterwards he was blamed for the terrorist attack. In 2007 he was reelected to run for dictatorship. On January 26, 2011 Mass protests in Syria began and riots occurred and the Syrian Army responded with violence against the protesters which led to the 9 year Syrian war. Many of the refugees escaped Syria due to the violence occurring in the cities. Assad sent his army to retake the cities held by rebels. He is accused of the war crimes including torturing people in prisons and killing people who opposed him, He is also known for human rights violation against his people and is accused of using chemical attacks in Syria. Assad fought to retake the cities of Syria including Appello. He received military support from Russia to stop the uprisings of the Syrian rebels. He is still trying to retake Syria affected by the Syrian War.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Second-rate dictator, first-rate war criminal who murders his own people with chemical weapons. This Syrian dictator was saved at the eleventh hour by Mr. Putin. I hope Mr. Assad realizes he is now Mr. Putin's lap-dog, who will come knocking on his door when he needs a favor in return.
Update: Lo and behold, what a surprise, the Kremlin is now eyeing Syrians to fight in Ukraine. Don't you find it funny? Mr. Putin's mighty war machine needs support from Syrians, Iranians, Chechens, Belarusians, Cubans, and various multi-national mercenary groups to help him defeat a much smaller, but defiant Ukraine.
Wikipedia: Bashar al-Assad - Married with two sons and one daughter. - Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Iranian president and Putin supporter who is supplying military equipment in the form of drones (Qods Mohajer-6 & Shahed 129 & HESA Shahed 136) used as an offensive weapon in support of Russia's war on Ukraine and sending personnel to train Russians in Crimea to effectively use those drones. Seen as a forerunner to Ali Khamenei, Mr. Raisi's claim to fame includes; being responsible for the execution of thousands of political prisoners (for which he says he should be honored and esteemed for), crimes against humanity, rigged elections, oppression of women, and is an avid supporter of punishments such as amputation of thieves' hands and various other punishments. It also comes as no surprise Mr. Raisi, upon meeting Mr. Bashar al-Assad, wants to strengthen strategic ties between Iran and Syria. You know what they say; 'birds of a feather flock together.'
Wikipedia: Ebrahim Raisi - Married with two daughters.
P.S.: Don't you find it funny, religious zealots such as Mr. Raisi who like to adopt the moral and ethical high-ground and impose extreme forms of religious doctrine on its citizens with severe punishments for those that don't abide, act in ways that are completely antithetical to the very religious doctrine they supposedly espouse?
Update: The death of Mahsa Amini on 16 September 2022 and the Mahsa Amini protests - Just like in Putin's Russia, authorities in Iran are using every means possible to quell protests and are using excessive lethal force against protesters, including abuse and torture in detention and the coercion of citizens (including family members of victims of the regime) to create false narratives. And just like Putin and his regime who like to blame others for their crimes, instead of taking responsibility for them, the "supreme leader" Ali Khamenei is blaming (as usual) the United States and Israel for what is happening in Iran. Mr. Khamenei however, conveniently makes no mention of the years and years of economic decline and the disgraceful and violent oppression of women in their society that ultimately lead to the protests. This once again proves the immeasurable hypocrisy and lies exhibited by Iran's so-called "religious" leaders who by their very actions prove they are not guided by God, but by some other entity.
Human Rights Watch: Iran.
Wikipedia: Morality Police - Should change its title to the "Immorality Police" for the oppression, torture, beating, rape, and murder of women.
Wikipedia: Category: Human rights abuses in Iran.
See Also: 2022 Iranian protests. - Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was born on 17 July 1939 in Mashhad, Iran. He has been married to Khojaste Khamenei since 1964.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Wikipedia: Ali Khamenei - Supreme Leader of Iran - Married with 6 children.
Iran Crisis Updates | Critical Threats Project
CTP: Iran Crisis Updates. - Mohammad Bin Salman was born on 31 August 1985 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Putin supporter, brutal authoritarian leader who's claim to fame includes; repression through torture, the killing and jailing of human rights activists/women's rights activists/journalists and former insiders, mass-executions, purges, extrajudicial killings, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and famine in Yemen through a relentless Saudi bombing campaign, detention and intimidation of Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri, hacking the phone of Jeff Bezos, lying like hell, cozying-up to Mr. Putin who is trying to improve Mr. Bin Salman's image on the global stage in exchange for lucrative energy deals in the support of Russia's economy and, back-stabbing their global partners like the United States (who have helped Saudi-Arabia on various occasions) when it comes to oil production in helping to relieve struggling Americans from escalating gas prices.
Wikipedia: Tiger Squad.
Wikipedia: Human rights in Saudi Arabia.
The moment a grinning Mr. Putin high-fived Mr. Bin Salman at the G20 summit in 2018, who a few months previous had, had critic Jamal Khashoggi brutally murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, one could see this was destined to be a marriage made in hell for the two murderers. And the relationship between Mr. Putin and Mr. Bin Salman has grown and blossomed ever since. Just goes to prove, once again, birds of a feather do indeed flock together.
Wikipedia: Mohammed bin Salman - Married. - Daniel Ortega was born on 11 November 1945 in La Libertad, Nicaragua.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Putin supporter and supporter of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Like all dictators in the making who want to hold on to power, Mr. Ortega and his administration has continued to digress into extreme authoritarianism since he came to power. Mr. Ortega's claim to fame includes; initiating a campaign to violently oppress protests including the use of live ammunition against protesters, wide-ranging nepotism like choosing his wife as his vice-presidential running-mate and having his children run everything from gasoline distribution to television stations, constriction of liberties that led to massive waves of emigration, intimidation and jailing of potential rival candidates, fraudulent elections, political repression, cancelling permits of US and European NGOs, dismantling Nicaragua's institutional democracy by taking control of all four branches of government and approving amendments that abolish term limits for the presidency, attempting to take complete control over online media but failing, and allegedly sexually abusing his adopted step daughter which she claims occurred since she was 12 years old.
Wikipedia: Daniel Ortega - Married to Rosario Murillo, 8 children (5 adopted and 3 biological). - Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician and president of Venezuela since 2013, with his presidency under dispute since 2019.Maduro was born on 23 November 1962 in Caracas, Venezuela, into a working-class family. His father, Nicolás Maduro García, who was a prominent trade union leader, died in a motor vehicle accident on 22 April 1989. His mother, Teresa DE Jesús Moros, was born in Cúcuta, a Colombian border town at the boundary with Venezuela. He was born into a leftist family and "militant dreamer of the Movimiento Electoral Del Pueblo (MEP)". Maduro was raised in Calle 14, a street in Los Jardines, El Valle, a working-class neighborhood on the western outskirts of Caracas. The only male of four siblings, he had "three sisters, María Teresa, Josefina, and Anita".Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Putin supporter who after Russia's invasion of Ukraine expressed "strong support" for Russia in a phone call with Putin and condemned the sanctions Western nations imposed on Russia. Mr. Maduro's claim to fame includes; driving Venezuela to the brink of collapse, corruption, promoting conspiracy theories, massive censorship, repression of dissenters, extrajudicial killings of thousands of people and thereby forcing millions to flee the country, eroding the justice system, state-sponsored torture, implementing state control of most television channels and other media, crimes against humanity, human rights violations, fraudulent elections, drug-trafficking, jailing leading opposition leaders and journalists, violently suppressing opposition protests, and steering the country into a full-blown dictatorship.
Wikipedia: Nicolás Maduro - Married, divorced, married to Cilia Flores. Has a son Nicolás Maduro Guerra from his first marriage.
Wikipedia: Russia-Venezuela relations. - Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Corrupt Burmese politician and brutal army general who is a Putin ally and supporter of Russia's war in Ukraine. Mr. Hlaing's claim to fame includes; staging a coup in 2021 that overthrew the democratically elected government of Myanmar, corruption, electoral fraud, brutal suppression of demonstrations, extensive human rights abuses, repression, and genocide.
Wikipedia: Min Aung Hlaing - Married with multiple children, including: Aung Pyae Sone & Khin Thiri Thet Mon. - Kim Jong-un was born on January 8, 1984 in Pyongyang, North Korea. He is appeared in many documentaries including, Panorama (1953) and Dennis Rodman's Big Bang in PyongYang (2015). He went to boarding school in Switzerland. He has been married to Sol-Ju Ri since 2009. They have three children. On 17 December 2011, Kim Jong-il died and Kim Jong-un took over as the dictator of North Korea. He is the current Dictator for North Korea. He has a military parade in honor of his father and his country. On 12 December 2013, Kim ordered the execution of his uncle Jang Song-Thaek for treason. On November 24, 2014 a movie called The Interview (2014) featured an actor portraying Kim Jong-un caused controversy and a group of hackers hacked Sony Pictures website, despite this the controversial film The Interview was released in theaters and on home video. He is suspected to have killed his half-brother, Jong-Nam Kim, in Malaysia airport in February 2017. Kim Jong-Un was and still is involved with the nuclear missile launches. He and Donald Trump had a war of words in 2017 and almost got the war started, then the South Korean Olympics begin in 2018 and he has limited his nuclear missile tests. Later on in 2018 he and Donald Trump agreed to meet in Singapore and On 12 June, Kim held his first summit with US President Donald Trump and signed a declaration and they both shook hands. On 30 June 2019, Kim again met with President Donald Trump at the Demilitarized zone between North and South Korea and shook hands.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
A supporter of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, this North Korean dictator's claim to fame includes; attention-seeking launching of rockets and ICBMs on an almost daily basis (while his subjects scrounge for their next meal), purges, executions, human rights violations, assassinations, and various other crimes against humanity. You see, this is what happens when people of privilege get handed things on a silver plate. It's no wonder the Americans wisely went to war against the privileged British king, back in the day.
Wikipedia: Kim Jong-un - Married, possibly 3 children.
Update: 6 September 2022 - Russia is purchasing rockets and artillery shells from North Korea for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Update: 12 September 2023 - 2023 North Korea-Russia summit. - Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician who has been serving as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) since 2012, and President of the People's Republic of China (PRC) since 2013. Xi has been the paramount leader of China, the most prominent political leader in the People's Republic of China, since 2012.Part of the Exclusive 'Dictators Club' of Putin
Authoritarian leader of China and ally of Putin who is providing economic relief to Russia through trade, and long-term, "unlimited", oil and gas deals. May also be supporting Putin militarily, but deny this - but judging by their track record, you can take their word with a bucket of salt (See: C4ADS - Trade Secrets - Exposing China-Russia Defense Trade in Global Supply Chains). China also supports state-media spreading Russian propaganda, with instructions not to post anything unfavorable to Russia or that which is pro-Western. P.S.: Chinese officials are now openly supporting Putin's B.S. concerning biological weapons in Ukraine. Remember the conspiracy theory, that COVID-19 was leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China? Is this some kind of petty payback from China for the embarrassment they suffered back then?
Wikipedia: China during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Update: March 16, 2023 - 'Hunting rifles' - really? China ships assault weapons and body armor to Russia.
P.S.: Don't you find it strange, China has not only stated neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict but has also called for a cease-fire and peace-talks, even outlining a 12-point peace plan on the 24th of February 2023. However, if China is claiming neutrality and wishes to act as an objective negotiating partner to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, why is Mr. Xi Jinping only meeting face to face with Mr. Putin? Surely if one claims to be an objective third party intermediary, one should at the very least meet on an equal basis with all relevant parties involved? And, why if China is stating neutrality are they supporting Russian-state propaganda and censoring independent media in China critical of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine? And, why if China is sincere in their aspirations for a peaceful settlement in the Russian-Ukrainian war is China using various back-channels to supply lethal and other military aid to Russia?
Update - 12 April 2024: Ukrainska Pravda: China sharply increases sales of technologies to Russia to help it on battlefield - media.
Update - 26 April 2024: Ukrainska Pravda: West must prevent becoming as dependent on China as it was on Russia - Stoltenberg.
The Current Trajectory of China's Ambitions
China is proving that their geopolitical ambitions far outweigh their moral or ethical responsibility to a peaceful world order. They know full well Russia illegally invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine and are killing it's citizens. Yet, have failed to condemn Russia for their actions. China has instead decided their China-Russia relationship is more important than the senseless slaughter of the Ukrainian people. Talk about hypocrisy - China has made numerous statements in the past in support of the sovereignty of nations and territorial integrity (only in view of criticisms aimed at the actions of the United States and the West, that is). If one had any doubts about China's true intentions, the cat is now clearly out of the bag. Though China has stated neutrality (for fear of economic consequences in their own country), in reality, China sees Russia's actions, together with their economic alliance, as a means of furthering their own geopolitical ambitions against the U.S. and the West with the ultimate goal of creating a new world order in their image. The battle lines between East and West are being drawn. As the Chinese say; "Where there is crisis, there is opportunity." Though their methods differ, where Russia has opted for a hard power approach and China has 'thus far' for the most part opted for a soft power approach, the respective goals of the two global powers to undermine the current global order are nevertheless identical. However, China's alliance and support of Russia is merely a stepping-stone of Xi's ultimate goal to be number one - culturally, militarily, and economically. This proves that China does not merely want to be a leader on the world stage but ultimately wants to dominate it with support from its anti-American and anti-West partners.
However, even if China achieves this goal, it's partnerships, with very different ideologies and ambitions, will ultimately crumble when those partners likewise want to be the dominant nation with their own set of agendas - And conflict will once again ensue.
(See: Putin's playbook - Foundations of Geopolitics - China).
Update on 27 September 2022: Meta - Removing Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior From China and Russia. According to Meta: "This is the largest and most complex Russian-origin operation that we've disrupted since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. It presented an unusual combination of sophistication and brute force."
Wikipedia: China-Russia relations.
Wikipedia: Russia's turn to the East.
Dreams of Empire
Yes folks, we've seen this same old story play out again and again, throughout human history. Empires rise, and empires fall. Why do dictators feel the need to create empires knowing fully well those empires will ultimately collapse? Is it simply so that they can cement their self-serving legacy in history? Why do dictators always think in such narrow terms? Why do they believe their beliefs or the ideologies of their predecessors must be enforced on others? Who gives them that right? Is it a form of tribalism that has been passed down throughout the ages? One people against another people? Revenge on a world that has wronged or embarrassed them in the past? An inferiority complex that motivates their desire to prove to the world, we are the greatest? Or is it some kind of utopian fantasy of a single organic whole all working unquestioningly in service of the almighty state - like bees in a hive tirelessly serving their queen?
Instead of domination and enforcing one's own agenda, why don't these leaders see the world as a global community of different cultures and beliefs - but with a common universal goal of peace, prosperity, and well-being for all? instead of the narrow world view of a, "them and us", mentality. Should we not be working together to insure a better life for the next generation instead and try and solve the existential threats they are facing, instead of bickering like a bunch of old hags when the whole world is collapsing and going up in flames around us?
P.S.: This very profound (and very amusing) animated short should be compulsory viewing for any dictator (or dictator-wannabe) hell-bent on global domination: Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century (1953) - Wikipedia: Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century.
The Immortal Dictator
No matter how much power the dictator possesses there is one thing they have absolutely no control over - their own mortality. The very nature of life is a higher force that makes no distinction between rich and poor, good or bad. We all go eventually. This eventual realization comes to all of us, and that includes the rich and powerful. All the dictator has left, is not actual immortality (like the pharaohs of ancient Egypt wished to believe would happen in the afterlife), but the immortality of their legacy. It is therefor essential for the dictator to achieve his egocentric goals. To have the personal satisfaction of knowing that he will be revered throughout history as a great and respected leader that fulfilled his promises to his people (at the expense of other peoples). And, even in death, maintain an influence on future leaders to inherit his ideology and follow in his footsteps. To gain God-like immortality through the hearts and minds of his successors and followers.
Wikipedia: Xi Jinping - Married, divorced, married with one daughter (Xi Mingze).
See also: Mao Zedong.
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The Globalization Thing
Let's face it folks. Realistically speaking, this big globalization thing is not working out. It is failing, abysmally. Humanity has not yet developed the capacity to work in unison as one cohesive force. There is simply too much greed, distrust, ideologies, and geopolitical ambitions between nations.
The only solution is, for those who want to join a certain club, or other, is to simply stay on their side of the fence. Essential trade must also take place only between those nations that form alliances and who share a collective world-view and values. In other words, you-do-your-thing and we-do-our-thing. Bear in mind, trading to the point of becoming overly reliant on essential goods and services of nations that have ulterior motives, is not a reliable partner. They will ultimately use this as leverage when they feel it is necessary to further their own agendas. The downside of such partnerships far outweighs the benefits. Russia is overwhelming proof of this. Besides energy blackmail, not only is Russian gas and oil still flowing to Europe (See: Russia in the European energy sector) but, Europe is still continuing to do business with Russia in various other sectors to avoid economic difficulties in their own nations but, the proceeds from those very business dealings are being used by the Kremlin in direct support of Russia's war-machine against Ukraine, and by extension, both Europe and the United States as well. Oil and gas supplies to Europe, alone, accounts for $1 billion a day (as of writing). After all the events that have transpired, does Europe still not see the gravity of the situation they are in? Do they not understand their financial support of this war not only helps extend this war in Ukraine itself but, also increases the chances of escalation beyond the confines of Ukraine's borders the longer it continues? Tough talk and symbolic opposition to the war by NATO, the UN, and the EU is simply not enough. Concrete action is all Mr. Putin understands. Unfortunately, you cannot always have your cake and eat it, sometimes one has to make sacrifices in order to avoid a far worse calamity in the future than one faces in the present - Like the sacrifices Ukrainians are making, at tremendous cost to their very lives and infrastructure, to uphold not only their own democratic ideals and way of life but, Europe's as well. Surely that is more than enough reason to cut all economic ties with Russia and help Ukraine in a more substantial way?
Wikipedia: Russia in the European energy sector.
War Is a Matter of Economics
Besides manpower, war is an endeavor that first and foremost needs money to sustain it, from the industrial base that manufactures weapons all the way to the salaries of soldiers fighting on the battlefield. The war in Ukraine is no different in that respect. It is simply a case of which side will wear down the other. And if Europe wishes an end to this conflict, and limit casualties and escalation without engaging its own forces, either through a victorious Ukraine supported with military hardware given by the U.S. and the West or, a negotiated settlement between Russia and Ukraine (which will only happen if Russia concludes the war is economically unsustainable or militarily unwinnable), it is imperative Europe immediately stops its funding of Russia's war-machine through gas and oil imports and find alternative energy sources - Like they say; "Necessity is the mother of invention". And if there is but one country in the European Union that can play a decisive role in convincing other countries to follow their example, it is Germany.
Update: German finance minister Christian Lindner admits dealing with Russia was a mistake and states; "Germany stands ready for new sanctions, including an oil embargo."
The 2022-2023 Russia-European Union Gas Dispute
Wikipedia: 2022-2023 Russia-European Union gas dispute.
Winter is Coming - Putin Resorts to Energy Blackmail
With gas prices soaring through the roof and every European leader warning of what they predict will be a harsh winter, how will Europeans react? Will Europeans fall victim to Mr. Putin's strategy of sowing division in Europe through energy blackmail, and, as such, will he succeed in having the European community demand of their leaders making concessions by lifting sanctions imposed on Russia? Or will the European community show their mettle and stand fast in unity against Russian aggression and coercion? Taking a stance through symbolic support is easy but, once that stance entails personal sacrifice and concrete action it becomes a whole different ball-game. - We shall see...
Update: On 2 September 2022 Russian state-owned company Gazprom announces natural gas supplies to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline will remain shut off indefinitely due to technical problems which the company blames are the result of European Union sanctions against Russia.
Update: On 26 September 2022 gas leaks are discovered on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines - Sabotage is suspected, with investigations underway.
Update: On 5 October 2022 OPEC+ decided to cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day to drive up oil prices despite U.S. pressure to increase output - Yes folks, this not only proves greed reigns supreme but also 'partners' such as Saudi Arabia, who are quick to ask for U.S. support when their security is at risk, will just as easy stab you in the back. Once again proving the time has come to seriously reconsider who 'reliable' partners really are. Mr. Putin is obviously smiling from ear to ear with this latest development, and now has extra cash to continue on his murderous trajectory - See | Wikipedia: Russia-Saudi Arabia relations where relations between Mr. Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have evolved to the point of granting Russia and Saudi Arabia the ability to "conspire" in oil export decisions. Russia is currently a major exporter of refined fuels to the Saudis and other Middle Eastern countries. Subsequent to the 2022 Russian invasion of the Ukraine, Saudi Arabia intensified investments in Russian energy companies. Saudi Arabia and Russia lead the OPEC+ group.
Wikipedia: OPEC.
Wikipedia: 2020-2022 world oil market chronology.
Petroleum Industry in Russia
Wikipedia: Petroleum industry in Russia.
Wikipedia: 2023 Russian oil products sanctions and price cap.
Wikipedia: Embargo of Russian oil during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Kyiv Independent: Sanctions for show: Russian oil sales to China, India single main driver of Ukraine invasion.
The Great Opportunity for the West
If ever there was a great opportunity to ween off of fossil fuels and counteract the effects of the very real existential threat of man-made climate change, the time is now. Now is the opportunity for the West to stop mucking around and get serious in investing in renewable energy and the infrastructure necessary to support it, like their lives depended on it (figuratively and literally). Not only will this eliminate the West's dependence on gas and oil-producing cartels who manipulate prices at will but, will also prove economically and ecologically beneficial for all of its citizens. A win-win situation regardless how you look at it.
Financing Putin's War: Fossil Fuel Imports from Russia During the Invasion of Ukraine
CREA: Financing Putin's war: Fossil fuel imports from Russia during the invasion of Ukraine.
CREA: Russia Fossil Tracker - Payments to Russia for fossil fuels since 24 February 2022.
Renewable Energy Magazine: The Many Economic Benefits of of Renewable Energy.
Union of Concerned Scientists: Benefits of Renewable Energy Use.
The War in Ukraine and Its Implications for the EU
The war in Ukraine and its implications for the EU.