OpinionHow Russian Elites Made Peace With the War: Moscow’s Victories Have Dampened Opposition to the Kremlin
foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/how-russian-elites-made-peace-war
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Russian Elites Embrace War as New NormalBy late 2023, Russian elites favored the invasion, viewing battlefield gains as proof Russia is prevailing despite initial doubts.
Key FactsJun 28, 2024 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: foreignaffairs.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: foreignaffairs.com
- At the war’s outset, many Russian elites were dismayed, calling the invasion a grave mistake and distancing themselves from the Kremlin.
- Throughout 2023, attitudes shifted as elites began endorsing the conflict and ceased criticizing it openly.
- Debates now focus on possible war outcomes, ranging from a major offensive in Kharkiv to Putin’s ambition to capture Kyiv or expand conflict in Europe.
- Elites perceive the war as consolidating Putin’s grip on power by suppressing dissent and uniting them under his leadership.
It’s bad to be an outcast as a winner, but it’s worse to be an outcast as a loser.— One Russian oligarch, who had criticized the war before but now seems to understand it.
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head of government of Russia, leads the executive branch in Russia
2nd and 4th President of Russia (2000–2008, 2012–present), 7th and 11th Prime Minister of Russia (1999–2000, 2008–2012), Director of the Federal Security Service (1998–1999) and Deputy Mayor of Saint
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