Destroying Ukraine has ‘totemic’ role for Russia, British expert says
Given the ideology of denying Ukrainians their status as a distinct nation and the Kremlin’s willingness to wage a war of attrition, the only way to change Moscow’s calculations is to step up long-range strikes and prevent many Russians from continuing to ignore the war.
British specialist Jade McGlynn, who heads the Ukraine and Russia Program at King’s College London, explained in an interview with Ukrinform that the destruction of Ukraine holds a "totemic" significance in Russia's worldview. She told Ukrinform that the Kremlin's perspective is that Ukrainians are simply Russians who have been "brainwashed" or used as a proxy by the West.
The only situation that could prompt Moscow to reconsider the war would be if domestic stability in Russia began to suffer. McGlynn noted that the Russian populace may not openly rebel against the regime, but underlying social tensions could surface unexpectedly. She stressed that many Russians continue to support the war as long as it doesn't impact their personal lives.
According to McGlynn, demonstrating the costs of the war through measures such as rising petrol prices could be an effective way to convey the toll the conflict exacts on Russia's economy and people. Additionally, McGlynn emphasized the need for the West to bolster Ukraine, particularly as winter approaches. She urged providing interceptor missiles to Ukraine and ensuring that Ukrainian households have access to heating during the cold months.
She highlighted the urgency of the situation, warning that if the war continues to drain Ukraine's resources, Russia might be the one to run out first.
Written by urgent.news from Ukrinform - Politics's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
