From: The Listening Post
In Russia’s war against Ukraine, chaos on the battlefield, confusion in internal communications. Plus controversial historical narratives that underpin the war.
Within Russia, the narrative surrounding the “war” is changing.
The pro-War Putin loyalists are fighting defeats they never expected, and generals are fighting back against public figures, loyalists on state television networks, and even military bloggers.
Contributors:
Jade McGlynn – Monterey Initiative in Russian Studies
Maxim Alyukov – King’s Russia Institute, King’s College London
Mikhail Fishman – presenter, Dozhd TV
Katrina vanden Heuvel – Editor-in-Chief, The Nation
On our radar:
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has finally broken his silence on the protests that have rocked the country for weeks. Producer Flo Phillips analyzes Khamenei’s speech – significant parts of which he also tweeted – and the impact it had at home and abroad.
Russia: National Myths and Rewriting History
Last year the Kremlin published an essay – on behalf of Vladimir Putin – arguing that Russians and Ukrainians belong to the same Slavic nation. This new historical discourse was key in the narrative being built around the invasion of Ukraine. Producer Tariq Nafi explores the struggle for historical memory in Russia.
Contributors:
Nikita Petrov – historian and member, Memorial
Yevgenia Albats – Journalist and Editor-in-Chief, The New Times
Mikhail Myagkov – Scientific Director, Russian Military History Society