Putin made a threatening speech Wednesday, comparing opponents to “gnats” trying to weaken Ukraine at the request of the West. These crude comments set the stage for harsh repressions against anyone who dares to criticize the war in Ukraine.
In the middle of Ukraine, however, was a silent demonstration against Russia’s brutality towards the most vulnerable. In Lviv’s central square, more than 100 strollers were placed in rows to symbolize the number of children who have been killed since Putin’s war.
Putin’s rant seemed to express his frustration at the slow pace of Russia’s offensive that slowed down around Kyiv and other cities in northeastern Ukraine. The Russian forces achieved greater gains in the South, but they haven’t been able capture Mariupol, a strategic port on the Sea of Azov. They also haven’t been able impede their advance along the Black Sea Coast.
Russia was hit hard by the devastating Western sanctions, which cut off access to half of its hard currency reserves. This has had a severe impact on many sectors of Russia’s economy.
Putin launched a vicious diatribe against those who opposed his plans, his hopes of a blitz in Ukraine being crushed and the economic costs rising.
During Wednesday’s meeting with top officials, Putin stated that the Russian people would always be able distinguish patriots from traitors. He said that they will just spit them off like a gnat who accidentally flew into their mouths — and spit them on the pavement. “I believe that such a natural, necessary self-purification will only strengthen our nation, our solidarity and cohesion, and our readiness to respond to any challenge.
For those who are familiar with Soviet history, the coarse language had ominous parallels. During Stalin’s Great Terror Show Trials, authorities referred to the “enemies” of the people as “reptiles or “mad dogs”.
Putin, his voice straining from anger, claimed that Russians opposed to the war in Ukraine were a fifth column serving Western interests obsequiously and ready “sell their mother.”
Putin stated that he didn’t condemn anyone who owns villas on Miami or the French Riviera. He also said that he doesn’t condemn people who cannot live without foie gras or oysters. It’s not a problem. Problem is, many of those people are mental there (in the West), and not here with our people with Russia. They don’t know or don’t care that they’re just… disposables who are there to inflict the maximum harm on our people.”
While he was speaking, the Russian State Investigative Commission announced that criminal investigations were being opened against several individuals accused of spreading false information about the military action in Ukraine.
Veronika Belotserkovskaya was the first to be identified by Russia’s top investigative service. She is a popular blogger and socialite, who has written books on French and Italian cuisines and splits her time between Russia & southern France. Her appearance seemed to fit Putin’s harsh description of cosmopolitan Russians who adore fancy food and seem at odds with the vast majority.
According to the investigative committee, it will issue an international warrant for Belotserkovskaya. She is accused of posting Instagram photos that “discredit” both state authorities and military.
Belotserkovskaya replied by writing: “I’ve been officially declared to being a decent person!”
The Kremlin-controlled parliament quickly tracked her case on March 4, a week after Putin’s invasion. For posting false information about the military, it could lead to prison sentences of up to 15 year.
Putin and his lieutenants described the war in Ukraine to be a “special military operations” that was intended to eliminate alleged “neo Nazi nationalists” from Ukraine and remove a possible military threat against Russia. These are goals that most people around the world have rejected as absurd.
Russian officials claim that the slow pace of the offensive was due to Russian officials wanting to spare civilians. However, the military pounded Mariupol, Kyiv and Kharkiv with airstrikes and barrages that killed untold number civilians.
The actions in Ukraine were in sharp contrast to official statements. Authorities acted quickly to stop the spread of the message. They shut down access to foreign media sites, including Instagram and Facebook, and declared Meta their parent company as an “extremist” organisation.
Kremlin has been able to rally support from large sections of the population that rely on state-controlled television for their news. The state TV broadcasts carried a more aggressive message against those who oppose war.
When asked about incidents where apartment doors of war-critics were spray-painted with “Z”, a sign that marks Russian military vehicles in Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, described it as an “emotional” move by Putin’s followers.
Russian cities were flooded with “Z” posters and vehicles in support of the war. The school children were seen standing in groups with the letter-shaped letters or in clothes that had a “Z” on them.
Despite new harsh laws and tighter information controls, thousands of Russians turned up at antiwar demonstrations throughout the country to face arrest.
A state television employee disrupted a live news broadcast by holding a sign made of protesting the war. Marina Ovsyannikova was given a $270 fine, but she still faces a criminal investigation that could land her behind bars.
Ovsyannikova stated Wednesday that she stands by her actions, but told Reuters she is now “extremely worried” about her safety.
She said, “I wasn’t sure if I could go through it right up until the last minute.” “… There are many layers of security and it is difficult to get in the studio. A member of law enforcement is right in front of the studio to ensure that such incidents don’t occur.”
Alexei Navalny is Putin’s most feared political foe and currently serves 2 1/2 years in prison. He now faces a trial in which could give him a 13 year sentence.
Navalny, in a Tuesday speech, warned that war would lead to Russia’s collapse and said that everyone has a duty to stop the war.
