EDITOR'S CORNER: Russia, a Country at War with Itself

On March 15th to March 17th, Russia conducted its presidential election, determining the next leader of the Russian Federation for a six-year term. Predictably, Vladimir Putin secured victory in a widely contested vote, marred by accusations of electoral manipulation in his favor.

Putin won with a massive 87.97% of the votes. His opponents all shared a small slice of a smaller pie in this rigged election. Coming second with 4.7% of the votes was Nikolai Kharitonov, a Member of Russia's lower house of parliament and a long-time member of the Communist Party. Third in line was Vladislav Danakov, with a mere 3.2%. He is a member of the New People party. Bringing up the rear was Leonid Slutsky, who garnered a very tiny 2.5% of the votes. He was the nominee of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia and also serves as the head of the lower house of parliament's foreign affairs committee. What's interesting about these candidates is that they either support the war in Ukraine or want the war to end, but only on Russia's terms.

In this blog post, we take a closer look at Putin's life and his rise to power as Russia's leader. We also examine the policies implemented under his leadership and their consequences for the nation. Additionally, we explore the impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on the daily lives of ordinary Russians. Finally, we discuss the challenges and strategies needed to dismantle the current Kremlin regime and usher in democratic change in Russia.

WHO IS VLADIMIR PUTIN?

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was born on October 7th, 1952, in Leningrad. His mother worked in a factory, while his father served as a conscript in the Soviet Navy, later joining the NKVD destruction battalion during the early stages of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Subsequently, he was transferred to the regular army, where he sustained severe injuries. Putin's family endured financial hardship, compounded by the tragic deaths of his two older brothers, Albert and Viktor, in their childhoods; Albert succumbed to diphtheria, while Viktor perished from starvation during the siege of Leningrad.

Putin's academic performance during his youth was unremarkable, characterized by disruptive and aggressive behavior. At the age of twelve, he began training in sambo and judo, seeking an outlet for his energy. After completing his schooling, Putin pursued a law degree at Leningrad State University before embarking on a career in the KGB in 1975. He also holds a PhD in economics.

Initially, Putin underwent training at the 401st KGB school in Okhta, Leningrad. He then served in the Second Chief Directorate, specializing in counterintelligence, before transitioning to the First Chief Directorate, where he monitored foreign nationals and consular officers in Leningrad. In 1984, he received additional training at the Yuri Andropov Red Banner Institute in Moscow.

In 1985, Putin was stationed in Dresden, East Germany, under the guise of a translator, while in reality, he acted as a KGB liaison officer to the Stasi secret police. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the East German regime, Putin resigned amid suspicions regarding his loyalty, sparked by protests in Dresden.

Returning to Leningrad in the early 1990s as part of the KGB's "active reserves". Putin briefly worked with the International Affairs section of Leningrad University. During this time, he rekindled his acquaintance with Anatoly Sobchak, the future Mayor of Leningrad.

In 1990, Putin assumed the role of an advisor on international affairs to Sobchak, ultimately resigning from the KGB in 1991. Over the next six years, he held various positions under Sobchak's administration until 1996 when Sobchak lost his reelection bid.

Putin relocated to Moscow and served as deputy chief of the Presidential Property Management Department until March 1997, when President Boris Yeltsin appointed him deputy chief of the Presidential Staff. He subsequently held several positions before being appointed director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) on July 25, 1998, by Yeltsin.

Putin's political ascent accelerated on August 9, 1999, when he was appointed one of the three first deputy prime ministers and later that same day became acting prime minister of the Russian Federation, again under Yeltsin's administration. Encouraged by Yeltsin, Putin also agreed to run for the presidency. His appointment as prime minister was approved by the State Duma on August 16, 1999.

On December 31, 1999, Yeltsin resigned unexpectedly, and, in accordance with the Russian Constitution, Putin assumed the role of Acting President of the Russian Federation. He won the subsequent presidential elections on March 26, 2000, with a majority of 53%, marking the beginning of his extensive tenure as president.

Although Dmitry Medvedev briefly assumed the presidency from 2008 to 2012 due to constitutional term limits, Putin effectively retained power by serving as prime minister. Subsequently, presidential terms were extended to six years effective from 2012, allowing Putin to continue his presidency with even more ease. On July 3, 2020, Putin signed amendments to the Russian Constitution, enabling him to potentially serve two additional six-year terms, which means he can be in power until 2036. 

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation

HOW HAS RUSSIA CHANGED UNDER PUTIN 

As Russia's president, Putin has wielded significant influence domestically and internationally, characterized by his assertive policies and strongman image. He has overseen a resurgence of Russian nationalism and centralized authority, consolidating power through control of the media, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of elections. Putin's leadership has been marked by a combination of economic pragmatism and political authoritarianism, as he navigates complex geopolitical challenges such as conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, often adopting a confrontational stance toward Western powers.

Critics of Putin's regime point to widespread allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and the erosion of democratic institutions. Despite facing international condemnation and sanctions, Putin's grip on power remains firm, buoyed by his popularity among many Russians who see him as a symbol of stability and strength. However, in recent times, especially since the war in Ukraine began, acts of dissidence have increased in Russia.

Ordinary citizens have been split into three camps: there are the hardcore nationalists who believe in the idea of "Russkiy Mir". They think that Putin is not taking strong enough action against the West and would prefer more aggressive measures. Then, there is the majority who are politically neutral. They don't care about politics as long as it does not affect them, largely due to Putin's efforts to suppress political dissent over the past few decades. The smallest faction is the opposition, consisting of those aligned with the outspoken Navalny group or those advocating for a softer approach. This group is small because those openly opposing the Putin regime are often jailed, killed, or forced into exile in the West. Very few can openly oppose Putin while living in Russia.

INCREASED AUTOCRATIC CONTROL SINCE THE INVASION

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Putin has intensified his autocratic grip on power over Russians. What was once perceived as soft autocratic rule has evolved into an increasingly totalitarian regime.

For instance, internet access has been severely restricted, with websites such as Instagram, Facebook, and other Western social media platforms completely banned. Others, like YouTube, are monitored and subject to restrictions. Any dissenting behavior from the general population is met with severe punishment, and most Russians find their freedoms significantly curtailed.

Dissidents and those protesting against the war in Ukraine are frequently detained and sent to Siberian labor camps for extended periods. Moreover, it is illegal to refer to the conflict as a "war"; instead, it must be labeled a "Special Military Operation." Even minor infractions, such as naming a WIFI network "Slava Ukraini" can result in imprisonment, physical assault, or sexual violence at the hands of the authorities. In some cases, individuals deemed "criminals" are given the ultimatum to either serve jail time and enter the gulag system, or alternatively, to join the fighting in Ukraine.

Following the 2022 mobilization, many eligible Russian men fled the country in large numbers. This mass exodus has led to stringent movement restrictions for those remaining in Russia. Draft dodgers often find their families facing financial constraints, with their homes or cars confiscated, and encountering difficulty securing employment, loans, or leading a normal life.

A REVOLUTION IS NEEDED 

What will bring change to Russia? It's evident that an election won't suffice, given Putin's consistent victory regardless of the voting process. During the recent elections, the opposition attempted a pseudo-protest called "Noon Against Putin," urging people to gather at their local voting stations at noon on March 17th, 2024. However, authorities swiftly warned of severe consequences for participation in this protest. Around the world, Russians participated in this protest around their local Russian embassies. The numbers showed that a majority are opposed to what is happening in Russia. 

Incidents of sabotage at voting stations, such as throwing dye into ballot boxes or setting them on fire, have also occurred. Those responsible have been promptly and forcefully apprehended by law enforcement and likely face significant prison sentences.

So, what is required to overthrow the Putin regime and bring about change in Russia? It seems that only drastic measures will suffice. This could entail mass protests akin to the Maidan Revolution. While it's true that many participants may face arrest—a grim reality—what's needed is a critical mass of protestors that outnumber law enforcement. Essentially, a revolution akin to the events of late 1980s and early 1990s, when Communism collapsed, may be necessary.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, effecting change in Russia will require more than isolated protests by individuals or a small portion of the population. It's crucial that those in positions of power undergo a thorough overhaul. Simply removing Putin from the presidency won't suffice if the same cohort of siloviki maintains control, as another figure similar to him could easily assume power. For example, Nikolai Patrushev could replace Putin, and he is even more of a fanatic against the West!

The legitimacy of the current election results is nonexistent, and Putin's presidency should be treated accordingly. It's imperative for Western governments to denounce him as illegitimate and to withhold the same access and benefits on the global stage that a legitimate leader would enjoy. Additionally, it's essential to bolster support for Ukraine by sending weapons, providing financial assistance, and aiding them in their conflict with Russia. 

Ensuring Ukraine's victory and treating Russia as a global pariah will send a clear message that the West will not tolerate their actions!