Today, Explained What Russians think of Putin’s war
Mar 1, 2022
Aleksey Kovalev, an investigative editor at Meduza, sheds light on the challenges independent journalists face in Russia. He discusses public dissent against the Ukraine invasion, often suppressed by the government. Kovalev highlights the impact of economic sanctions on everyday citizens and the blurred lines between state-controlled media narratives and reality. He also emphasizes the bravery of those protesting, urging a critical view of media portrayals and humanity's shared burdens amid conflict.
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Lack of Visible Support for War
- Alexei Kovalev, investigative editor at Meduza, reports from his Moscow home due to arrest risks for journalists.
- Kovalev states there's a lack of visible public support for the war, contrasting the patriotic outbursts seen during the Crimean annexation.
Forms of Protest and Arrests
- Russians protest by laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and hero city stellas, including Kyiv.
- Protesters also gather in town squares, risking arrest and violence from various police forces.
Government Crackdown on Dissent
- The Russian government suppresses dissent by job loss, demands to remove anti-war posts, and erasing graffiti.
- Even displaying "no to war" signs can invite repercussions, highlighting the crackdown's extent.