Dictator Putin is waging war against Ukraine – and has millions of Russians behind him!
According to polls, 59% of Russians support the attack on the neighboring country, only 22% oppose it. An important reason for the attitude of the Russians: the successful Propaganda of the Putin Regimes!
“Putin has built a psychological firewall of propaganda that is difficult to break through,” says journalist Yevgeny Kiselev (65), who was once one of the best-known TV presenters in Russia and emigrated to Ukraine in 2008 because of Putin’s censorship apparatus and made a career there .
Journalist: Putin no longer needs a free media
Speaking about the Kremlin’s handling of free media, Kiselyov says: “Up to a point, Putin’s Russia has been willing to accept the existence of a certain number of independent, Kremlin-critical media outlets.”
The reason: “They needed them for their exchange with the West. To say to a visiting Western foreign minister who criticizes freedom of the press: We do have critical media.”
But that time is finally over: “Now the Kremlin no longer needs this decoration. Now they don’t have to fool anyone anymore.”
Kiselyov observes a dangerous development in Russia. “I know many Russians who were liberal, pro-Western and wanted a free, free-market Russia. Now they support Vladimir Putin.”
Talking to these people about the Russian war against Ukraine is hardly possible, according to the TV journalist. “Supporters of the war in Russia often ask: ‘Where were you when the conflict in Ukraine started eight years ago? Why weren’t you interested in the victims in Donbass?’”
Russians believe sanctions will be over soon
This reasoning is dictated by Russian propaganda. Kiselyov: “People don’t know that the conflict in eastern Ukraine – between Ukraine and the alleged “separatists” – was instigated and organized by Russian intelligence services and special forces.”
Kiselyov believes many Russians are taking the sanctions lightly. “Many of my Russian friends believe that the sanctions will be over in two weeks. Then everything goes on as before. But that’s a misconception – it won’t,” said the Russia expert.
The journalist welcomes the sanctions – even if they affect not only the Kremlin or the oligarchs, but also the population. “Russia is committing war crimes. It has to pay the price for it.” He himself will never forgive Russia for the war.
Kiselyov’s prognosis is bleak: “Some of my friends who also emigrated want to return to Russia at some point. I don’t believe in a good future for this country. It’s terrible, but I’ve banished Russia from my heart. It’s over.”