Why Do People Cheer Vladimir Putin Despite the Threat of Death?

The reasons for supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin are deeply rooted in a complex web of propaganda, fear, and state oppression. Despite reports of deaths among both Russians and Putin's enemies, loyalty to the Kremlin remains strong, highlighting the significant role of state-controlled messaging and the consequences of dissent.

The Transformation of Russian Society

Life in Russia has transformed into a dangerous game, with the government wielding severe repressive measures to maintain control. In the years leading up to the invasion of Ukraine, paid commentators on Russian social networks encouraged criticism of Putin and the government by suggesting emigration. However, this changed as these critics faced more dire consequences, being reported to the FSB and subsequently arrested at 5 AM, often with their homes trashed and belongings confiscated.

Cases like the detainment of 68-year-old pediatrician Nadezhda Buyanova exemplify the extreme penalties for disloyalty to the state. Facing up to 9 years in maximum security prison for minor claims about the Russian army, Buyanova has been in jail for 10 months and denied house arrest. Her case underscores the harsh judicial system in Russia, which can be manipulated for political retribution. Even a widow of a Russian soldier, who lashed out at the doctor for how rudely her child was treated, contributed to Buyanova's arrest, illustrating the far-reaching reach of state influence.

International Treatment and Torture

The human rights situation in Russian-controlled territories is even more dire, with civilians being tortured and killed without due process. The lack of legal procedures and burying victims in mass graves leaves many families unable to locate their loved ones. For instance, 48-year-old Oksana Hladkykh, an Ukrainian mother of four from Zaporizhzhia oblast, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for telling Russian soldiers to leave their country. Her children, three of whom are under 18, now face an uncertain future.

Meanwhile, Russian universities are also under the thumb of the state, with students forced to partake in surveys evaluating their attitudes towards Putin and the government. In St. Petersburg, students had to enter their phone numbers or use a Russian social media platform, VK, often owned by the FSB, to participate in these surveys. This further cements the state's control over the minds of its youth, stunting critical thinking and independent thought.

Justice and Survival

In Russian prisons, the system of torture is so well-known that many inmates choose to fight in the war over imprisonment. The FSB uses torture, rape, and even killing as tools within the prison system, employing enforcers and other inmates. Additionally, the social caste of "untouchables" further exacerbates the inhumane treatment experienced by inmates. These conditions contribute to the psychological trauma of prisoners, leading many to lose their will to survive.

The Russian police force is also expanding its boundaries, with plans to bring in police forces from Kyrgyzstan. This expansion will result in a more severe and potentially more brutal law enforcement system, mirroring the harsh realities faced by citizens within the country.

The Perspective of Russian Conflict

The war in Ukraine continues to claim lives and resources, with Russian casualties exceeding 708,000 as of today. The reliance on propaganda and fear tactics to maintain loyalty has created a society where individuals fear expressing dissent and question the government's actions. This is reminiscent of the harsh measures imposed during earlier conflicts, such as the Second World War, which serve as a reminder of the dark path Russia is on.

The image, a caricature from World War II, eerily parallels the modern-day gatherer of historical lands, highlighting the similarities in the tactics used by authoritarian regimes to expand their territories and control.