I am obsessed with the Russian-Ukrainian war. A fratricide conflict that should never have occurred. Russia and Ukraine are two closely related nations, with many Russians living peacefully in Ukraine and vice versa. This war is alas a reenactment of the American Civil War that pitted brothers against brothers between 1861 and 1865,
Russia is unquestionably the aggressor and Ukraine the recipient of Putin’s madness, but the Russian people are far from being unanimous about this conflict. Many disagree with each other because this war is also a gigantic battle of information, misinformation, and disinformation.
Due to the government’s tight censure, many Russians have no idea of what’s happening in Ukraine. Some don’t even believe that a war is taking place.
After watching a great number of western YouTube videos, with many Russians reluctant to express their true feelings, it seems that the nation is somewhat divided into two groups: the older generation sticking with Putin and the younger disagreeing with him.
Many anti-war demonstrations have already occurred in Russia, with St Peterburg (the cultural capital of Russia) leading the pack. And despite ferocious pushback by the police, demonstrations are bound to increase, especially after the substantial Russian losses will become known by the public. Mothers will undoubtedly blame their leaders for the pointless loss of their sons and scream their anguish and discontent.
This is an extremely dangerous situation, with the Russian president feeling trapped in a corner by most of the western nations. He might have realized by now that he foolishly engaged in a quagmire, but he is unwilling to lose face and might resort to desperate measures. A nuclear war that nobody can win.
Undisclosed negotiations are surely already taking place, but the Russian intransigence and the Ukrainian chutzpah don’t augur well. Neither side is ready to compromise, and it will become uglier before it becomes better.
This conflict taking place at the other end of the world is affecting the entire planet. Everyone on earth, especially the Russians, is going to feel the pinch because agreeing or disagreeing, we are all connected and dependent on one another.
It is going to become more critical with each passing day and the pressure on Russia is soon going to become untenable. Grumbles in the country will increase and turn into angry accusations that might improbably come from the elite and the oligarchs.
No more jetting or cruising to the south of France. No more extravagant parties in every corner of the world. No more “canard a l’orange” at La Tour d’Argent; you will have to stay home and eat borsht like every common moujik. Who the hell is responsible for this nightmare? will become the burning topic of the nation.
The oligarchs’ trophy wives will soon revolt and besiege their sugar daddies. Do something or I will go in the streets and protest with everybody else…
No, no, любимая (darling) I’ll speak to the boss and I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse. It’s not going to be personal, it’s going to be strictly business.
This scenario might not happen but I hope that it will and put an end to this indefensible, abhorrent war.
Alain