Moscow, Russia
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“Russia is ready for isolation, Russia wants isolation,” he said.
“This is the image that Putin envisioned during his first term in office: Russia is a cornered rat. They like to have this self-image. They love it when everyone attacks them, when everyone spits on them. It makes them happy. It’s the kind of nation with priorities and stereotypes like that.”
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According to Davydiuk, this culture of grievance politics means Russians may try to paradoxically increase their own levels of isolation, poverty and hunger, and they will continue to threaten Ukraine and the West.
“Both chemical and nuclear threats will come into play,” Davydiuk believes.
“This [threats] will look quite realistic, but Ukraine should think about how to respond, how to make sure Russia doesn’t use them.”
“It seems to me that Russia’s top leadership should feel this courage that has become our global motto. All generals who thought they would one day conquer Ukraine dig themselves out of their Russian frenzy and understand that the enemy is above their pay grade.”
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