The Myth of Russia: Ukraine's Impact on Russian Identity

Jade McGlynn, a Leverhulme EC Researcher at King's College London, argues that the aggression against Ukraine cannot be solely attributed to Putin, as ordinary Russians play a significant role in supporting the war. She highlights the importance of understanding the propaganda and narratives that resonate with Russians, shaping their views on the conflict. McGlynn also discusses the stance of Russia's liberal opposition, noting their incoherence and occasional neglect of Ukraine in their narrative. She emphasizes the need for the opposition to gain perspective and recognize the sacrifices made by Ukrainians. Additionally, she observes a shift in Russian media consumption towards escapism and a decrease in coverage of real-time events, possibly due to cognitive dissonance and avoidance of facing the poor progress of the invasion.