Ukraine Can’t Bomb Russians Into Opposing Putin
History shows that countries under attack are more likely to be galvanized than demoralized. That appears to be happening in Russia today.
For over two weeks, Ukrainian forces have been launching frequent attacks on warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's leading online marketplace. At least 13 individuals have perished and dozens have been injured, with sellers expected to incur losses totaling 280 billion rubles ($3.5 billion). These strikes are part of Ukraine's 40-day campaign to pressure Russia to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The attacks target not only Wildberries warehouses but also oil refineries and ports, aiming to diminish Russia's economic strength, boost Ukrainian morale, and generate global attention. They also seek to incite discontent among Russians over the war and its impact on their daily lives. By striking Wildberries, the campaign brings the war closer to the lives of Russians who have largely ignored it, affecting various sectors, from candle makers to family-run bakeries.
The platform's app was used by an estimated 67.6 million to 69.5 million users in Russia, serving hundreds of thousands of small and medium-sized sellers. The attacks have had unintended consequences, such as causing emotional distress for business owners and damaging animal shelters' supplies. The companies, including Wildberries, are also victims of the attacks, with the founder offering partial compensation to affected sellers.
Nevertheless, Russian authorities have shown little concern, failing to acknowledge the damage to civilian infrastructure. The affected entrepreneurs seem more inclined to vent their anger at Wildberries rather than at the government or the war itself. There is a belief that Russians may be more likely to criticize Wildberries on social media rather than Putin or the war itself due to the perceived safety of targeting a marketplace.
While many have stopped relying on the government's support, they see adapting to the crisis as their only viable option. This perspective reflects the general sentiment among Russian businesspeople who may express frustration privately but remain reluctant to voice such sentiments publicly. The attacks on warehouses might also push the possibility of peace even further away, as bombing enemy territory often leads to increased hatred toward the attacker rather than protests against the ruling government.
In this case, such actions may strengthen the bond between Russians and their government or the war effort. Despite the lack of improvement in the situation, these strikes could ultimately make the distinction between the state that initiated the invasion and the state responding to it less emotionally compelling, potentially overshadowing the original question of responsibility for the war with the more immediate issue of who is destroying civilians' lives and livelihoods.
Written by urgent.news from The Moscow Times - Opinion's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
