The Toxic Society of Russia
Putin's war against Ukraine has not been going on for two years but since 2014, with the annexation of Crimea and the attack on Donetsk. Putin's primary motive for the war is preserving his own power. Among the post-Soviet states, Ukraine bears the most resemblance to Russia, and Putin could not tolerate its success. A Western-style Ukraine poses a threat to Putin's mafia state by offering an alternative model. There is no rationality here; mafia logic prevails. Russia is a mafia state armed with nuclear weapons, and Putin is a mafioso with a background in intelligence services.
The Tolerance of Violence
What most distinguishes Russian society from Ukrainian society is its tolerance of violence. This can be observed in three main areas:
- Domestic violence: A few years ago, Russia downgraded the legal category of domestic violence, reducing penalties to the level of something like illegal parking.
- Military brutality: In the army, superior officers often humiliate new recruits, sometimes even engaging in sadistic torture. These actions never lead to accountability, which explains the military's brutality in Ukraine.
- Prison system abuse: Many people work in the penal system, and in some regions, prisons are the largest employers. Numerous individuals witness or are complicit in "unexplainable" deaths of inmates (falling down stairs or being denied medical care, for example).
The common thread across these areas is the lack of accountability for perpetrators.
Historical Roots of Violence
The roots of this societal violence lie in the failure to come to terms with the crimes of the Soviet era, including the Gulag. While these topics are no longer taboo, the perpetrators remain off-limits because they implicate the Russian state itself, which is the declared successor of the Soviet Union. Similarly, the crimes committed during Russia's territorial expansions remain unexamined, often due to a lack of knowledge. Russian society is traumatized on both the perpetrator and victim sides. Without adequate awareness of the millions of victims, violence perpetuates itself. The society remains violent, both inwardly and outwardly, devoid of conscience.
Toxic Influence on Post-Soviet States
Russia's influence continues to poison other post-Soviet societies, such as the intimidated Georgian and Armenian communities. This toxic influence originates from mafioso Putin. Today, 74% of the Russian population supports the war. Criminals—serial killers, cannibals, and rapists—can gain freedom if they agree to fight on the frontlines. In this war, we see evil individuals driven not by conquest but by destruction and exploitation.
Passive Acceptance of War
What does Russian society do about this? The war is tacitly tolerated; people look away and focus on their daily lives. In major cities, there are few signs of the country being at war. If they wanted to, citizens could access abundant information through emigrants' online materials. However, there is no sense of individual responsibility for collective actions. People do not protest because they do not see themselves as accountable or capable of influencing these crimes. A characteristic feature of Russian society is the sense of helplessness against authority and the lack of agency in shaping events.
The only ceasefire conditions they envision are those dictated by Russia. Protesting or resisting requires immense courage, as dissent is met with severe prison sentences or "lighter" punishments like psychiatric treatment. Russian society missed its opportunity to resist when it was still possible.
Is a Democratic Russia Possible?
Is there hope for a democratic Russia? Emigrants pin their hopes on Ukraine's victory and the defeat of the Russian state and military. Putin portrays Russians as a victorious people, with a thousand years of unbroken triumphs in Russian history—this is why they must experience defeat.
If Russians come to truly feel the impact of their poor living conditions, it could strengthen the opposition. However, change is not expected to come from the youth. Leaders of Putin's youth organization (NASHI) have been absorbed into the power structure. The state-run Youth Army has 1.3 million members (ages 6–18) who are indoctrinated, brainwashed, and even armed.
Transforming Russian society is impossible; it cannot be "bombed out of existence," nor can the fear of Russians be eradicated from European minds. Consequently, it is unlikely that Russia will ever become a democratic country.
Russlands toxische Gesellschaft - Erfahrungsbericht von Dr. Gesine Dornblüth und Thomas Franke