CIVIL WAR is Brewing Inside Russia

Summary

The script discusses an internal conflict within Russia, parallel to the Russo-Ukrainian War, where the elite's grip on power faces rising discontent. It details the severe repercussions of the invasion on Russian society, including military losses, economic decline, and a crackdown on dissent. The Kremlin's oppressive measures, including media control and political persecution, are highlighted, painting a bleak picture of Russia's trajectory towards authoritarianism and potential civil unrest.

Takeaways

• 🇷🇺 Russia is engaged in a silent civil war within its borders, in addition to its conflict with Ukraine.
• 🤝 The war inside Russia is between the entrenched elite and a rising wave of discontent challenging the status quo.
• 🔄 The invasion of Ukraine has had profound internal repercussions for Russia, exacerbating divisions.
• 🏹 The Russian government's treatment of its soldiers has been abysmal, with many referred to as 'cannon fodder'.
• 🚑 Casualties from the Ukraine conflict have been extremely high, with hundreds of thousands of Russian troops killed or injured.
• 🏅 The Kremlin's response to dissent has been heavy-handed, with increased repression and control over information.
• 📉 Public trust in Russian government institutions is plummeting due to the ongoing war and state repression.
• 🗳️ The 2024 Russian presidential elections showcased significant electoral fraud, with Putin re-elected to a fifth term.
• 🛑 The Wagner Group's rebellion in June 2023 was a major event that exposed the Kremlin's vulnerabilities and potential for internal dissent.
• ✈️ The mysterious crash of Yevgeny Prigozhin's plane and the subsequent dismantling of the Wagner Group highlight the Kremlin's intolerance for dissent.

Q & A

What is referred to as Russia's silent civil war?

Russia's silent civil war refers to the internal conflict and growing discontent among the Russian population due to the country's actions, particularly its invasion of Ukraine, which has led to a decline in democratic freedoms, media autonomy, and civil society within Russia.

How has the invasion of Ukraine impacted Russia internally?

The invasion of Ukraine has led to profound internal repercussions in Russia, creating growing divisions within the country, a decline in democratic freedoms, and an increase in state repression and control over information.

What is the difference between intercountry wars and civil wars as depicted in the script?

Intercountry wars typically have a clear cause, objectives, rules of engagement, and identifiable enemies, with outcomes often measured by territorial gains. Civil wars, on the other hand, blur these rules and boundaries, often stemming from historical grievances or social and economic inequalities, and can involve a wide range of participants and methods.

What role does the treatment of Russian soldiers in Ukraine play in the silent civil war?

The poor treatment of Russian soldiers, including inadequate training, equipment, and leadership, has led to high casualties and a growing disillusionment among the Russian populace, contributing to the rise of dissent and resistance within the country.

How has the Kremlin responded to the criticism and dissent arising from the war?

The Kremlin has responded with repressive measures, including the implementation of stricter laws, increased control over information, and harsh penalties for those caught protesting or dissenting, further escalating the internal conflict.

What was the outcome of the 'partial mobilization' of Russian reservists in the fall of 2022?

The 'partial mobilization' resulted in 300,000 people being forced to join the army, highlighting the desperation of the Russian government and the poor state of the invasion. It was executed with such haste that conscripts were given only 24 hours to report for duty.

What is the Wagner Group and what was its role in the silent civil war?

The Wagner Group is a private military company that has been involved in conflicts globally. It played a significant role in the silent civil war with its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, criticizing the Russian leadership and eventually leading an armed insurrection against the Kremlin.

How did the Russian government's control over information contribute to the silent civil war?

The Russian government's control over information created an alternate reality where it was portrayed as supported by the majority and justified its actions. This was done to suppress dissenting views and maintain control, but it also fueled distrust and resistance among the populace.

What was the significance of the 2024 Russian presidential elections in the context of the silent civil war?

The 2024 Russian presidential elections showcased the extent of electoral fraud and manipulation, with Putin winning in a landslide that was seen as a foregone conclusion. This event underscored the loss of trust in government institutions and the rule of law, deepening the internal conflict.

What was the fate of Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Wagner Group after the attempted rebellion?

After the attempted rebellion, Yevgeny Prigozhin's airplane crashed, killing him and several senior Wagner members. Following this, the Kremlin effectively dismantled the Wagner Group, dispersing its troops across Russia to prevent further organized resistance.