Putin's Russia: A Country at War with Itself

VICE News・2 minutes read

The invasion of Ukraine escalates with Putin mobilizing 300,000 military reserves, viewed as a declaration of war by many Russians. The war's impact includes surge in rapes, lack of supplies, arrests of activists, and silencing of free speech, concealing the estimated 300,000 soldiers killed or injured.

Insights

  • The Kremlin's mobilization of 300,000 military reserves in Ukraine is seen as a declaration of war by many Russians, despite official labeling as a special operation.
  • The war in Ukraine has not only led to military actions but has also caused societal issues like a surge in rapes, lack of supplies in schools, and the silencing of free speech, concealing the human cost of around 300,000 soldiers killed or injured.

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Recent questions

  • What is the current situation in Ukraine?

    The operation in Ukraine involves demilitarization and denazification, with Russian President Putin mobilizing 300,000 military reserves, escalating tensions.

  • How are Russians reacting to the situation in Ukraine?

    Many Russians see the draft as a declaration of war, despite the Kremlin labeling it a special operation, leading to increased state subsidies for patriotic programs.

  • What are some consequences of the war in Ukraine?

    The conflict has resulted in a surge of rapes, mainly by visitors from Central Asia, and a shortage of supplies in kindergartens and schools, prompting calls for defense weapons.

  • What is the impact of the war on individuals?

    The emotional and physical toll of the war is evident, with reports of pain and difficulty concentrating, along with a poet and activist facing arrest and imprisonment.

  • How is information about the war being disseminated?

    Free speech suppression in Russia has created an information vacuum, concealing the human cost of the war, estimated at around 300,000 soldiers killed or injured, leading to division and unrest among the public.

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Summary

00:00

Putin orders mobilization, sparking fears of war.

  • The operation aims at demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin escalated the invasion of Ukraine by ordering the mobilization of 300,000 military reserves.
  • Despite the Kremlin's insistence on calling it a special operation, many Russians view the draft as a declaration of war.
  • The Kremlin is increasing state subsidies for patriotic programs, with funding rising significantly.
  • The war in Ukraine has led to a surge in rapes, primarily committed by visitors from Central Asia.
  • The lack of supplies in kindergartens and schools has prompted a call for weapons to be brought for defense.
  • A poet and activist faced arrest and possible imprisonment for up to 10 years.
  • An exhibition featuring works from imprisoned individuals was showcased, including a series by Artyom called "All Cats."
  • The physical and emotional toll of the war is evident, with pain and difficulty concentrating reported.
  • The silencing of free speech in Russia has created an information vacuum, concealing the human cost of the war, estimated at around 300,000 soldiers killed or injured since the invasion began.

29:12

"Russian family divided by war and politics"

  • Nastya contacts Yaroslav in October 2022, expressing gratitude for raising Oleg Yaroslavich and updating on her duties.
  • Nastya discusses her hope for Oleg's safe return from war and her disillusionment with the situation.
  • Yaroslav expresses his faith in Putin and the hope for a better outcome in the war.
  • The text highlights the division in Russian public opinion between pro-Putin and pro-war groups, leading to violence and unrest.
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