Russian opposition leaders directly declare: Putin is killing republics and minorities, so separate

I periodically monitor the internal situation in Russia in order to record any internal changes or at least the embryonic beginnings of changes that will have an impact on the war, on Ukraine, now and in the future. Because I am sure that in the future there will be both Ukraine and Russia, and those who survive will have to live with it.

News broke this week that Putin and his team have already begun preparations for the elections and the next presidential term. That is, he is still confident enough that he is in control of the situation and that by 2024 he will somehow turn it around in his favor or simply hopes that he will, otherwise there is no point in going to the elections. Alternatively, by the way, he can simply introduce martial law, cancel the elections, and remain in office.

But something else is interesting. At the same time, all this weak and defeated opposition to Putin, very much eager to take power in Russia from him and take it for themselves, has a clear anti-war position. This should indicate that they know about the low support for the war among the population in general and therefore they do not seek this support. After all, under the conditions of mass support for the war, the most logical and profitable thing would be to accuse Putin of bad conduct of the war and try to come to power under the slogans "I will be able to fight with Ukraine and NATO better." But, as we can see, this is not the case at all. It seems that Putin has already gathered all those who want to support the war around him, and this is his maximum. All others are either against it or tolerate it. After the first defeats of the Russians, I was afraid that some kind of junta, a power bloc, would come to power there, which would overthrow Putin, but would want to continue the war more effectively. But that didn't happen, so it gives some hope.

"All the weak and defeated opposition to Putin, really eager to take power in Russia from him and take it for themselves, have a clear anti-war position. This should indicate that they know about the low support for the war among the population in general, and therefore they do not seek this support"

At most, in a video about the possible future of Russia, the Russian blogger-politician Maxim Katz directly declares the separatism of the Russian republics. Not with metaphors, not with streamlined phrases. Not in an interview with Western media. And a Russian blogger tells his completely Russian large audience — Russia is killing republics and minorities, so separate. I do not recall such topics and narratives in the Russian media space, even in hints, only in the form of lamentations and fear, and here it is proposed as a concrete option for action. Literally: “Russia started a war with you, with Buryatia, Dagestan and others, separate and live on your own, why is it for you.”

If previously the most slippery and ambiguous expressions of the opposition type could be interpreted somewhat ambiguously, now I don't even know where to look for betrayal. Listening to this is just honey for the ears.

"Separatist movements inside Russia will deprive Putin of mobilization resources and votes - because, I'm sure, the richest and, accordingly, the most educated live in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other big cities and, accordingly, it is more difficult to manipulate them and they will easily vote for another candidate from a worthy opposition."

That is, I know, separatist movements inside Russia, first of all, will deprive Putin of mobilization resources and votes - because, I am sure, the richest and, accordingly, the most educated live in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities and, accordingly, it is more difficult to manipulate them and they will easily vote for another candidate from a worthy opposition. And secondly, the very fact of internal movements within Russia will further limit Putin's capabilities and distract him from solving internal problems.

After all, in fact, those republics are no different from the union republics in 1991. In 1985, for example, no one could even think that Ukraine or Georgia would become independent separate countries. And Chechnya waged two brutal wars with Russia for good reason - their desire to live was not shared anywhere, they were simply put to sleep.

And in this way they will overthrow Putin and in his place will come, for example, Navalny. Who said that "Crimea-not-a-sandwich", but he, like Ukraine, is supported by the West and the US. It will be fun to watch the Ukrainian president dare to tell Biden and Scholz that he is not going to negotiate with Navalny.

No one asked us, but we really got into historical times and can be witnesses of historical events. But in order to be an eyewitness, you need to stay alive, healthy and in the mood to watch.

Focus on this and support Ukraine's Armed Forces.

About the author: Volodymyr Hevko, marketer, blogger. 

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