Russian opposition: How can we transform resentment into tactical advantage?

1. Approximately 3-4 months ago, "good Russians" began changing their rhetoric towards Ukraine. It formally started with various speeches from Yulia Latynina, who suggested that Ukrainians are dismissive of "good Russians," and therefore it is possible to disregard Ukrainians. Since then, this position has become a trend.

2. At the same time, Latynina's message coincided with another, more important trend: "Good Russians" have realized that they cannot reach the Kremlin by riding on the backs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Therefore, there is no longer any point in continuing to engage with the Ukrainian issue, especially considering that most Ukrainians view "good Russians" as a negative phenomenon.

3. A logical extension of these two aspects is Kara-Murza's statements that Russians bear no collective responsibility and that Putin is to blame for everything. He is echoing what has become a consensus among the Russian opposition. Ukrainians' position, which categorizes all "good Russians" as "bad guys and girls," only gives them more freedom in their statements.

As unpleasant as it is for us to hear, we allowed them to take on the role of the offended party. This is our big mistake. I understand that many will now begin discussing justice, honesty, and so on. But this is politics, and those considerations are secondary. I repeat: we allowed them to act as if they were offended, and their reality is different from ours.

4. With a high degree of probability, we can assume that the Americans will attempt to reformat the Russian opposition and give them a new purpose. The fact is that beginning with the idiotic decision to "vote in the presidential election at 12:00," the Russian opposition has been disconnected from the desires of not only those who remain in Russia but do not engage with the state but also its supporters. This, by the way, is another reason why they felt the need to pretend they were offended by Ukrainians - they are trying to shift the blame for their mistakes onto others.

5. Now, regarding the meanings that the Americans will try to impose, they will inevitably address the topic of Ukraine. The current unanimous position of the Ukrainian political elite is fair and correct, but it is correct only as a first step. We have expressed our indignation, and now we, not they, are offended. Our pragmatic task is to turn our resentment into statements by "good Russians" about their clear support for Ukraine. I understand that many might prefer to simply say, "just send them away," but politics doesn’t work that way. We need to convert our resentment into a tactical victory and make them articulate positions that are beneficial to us, even if insincerely.

Additionally, I want to emphasize another important point: this war is not just about territories. Putin's main defeat would be if Ukraine and Ukrainians were recognized as subjects and a distinct people. This is what "good Russians" should promote above all else.