Putin's utopian vision risks deepening Russia-Ukraine divide
Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russia is moving towards a utopian, anti-Western society. German media assess the consequences of this shift for Russians and Ukrainians.
- Russia intensifies interference in the private lives of citizens, part of the strategy to build an anti-Western society. The state increasingly controls the lives of Russians who previously could maintain peace by avoiding politics.
- Putin's decree forces Ukrainians in occupied territories to take Russian citizenship or leave their homes. As noted by German media, this is a step towards the Russification of eastern Ukraine. It is part of a long-planned strategy by the dictator aimed at destroying Ukraine as an independent nation.
- Russia limits contacts with the West. This negatively impacts scientific and educational exchanges. In education, a military model of upbringing is being reinforced. Such an indoctrinated society will struggle with international integration.
What changes is the Kremlin introducing?
According to "Sueddeutsche Zeitung", under Putin's rule, Russia increasingly interferes in the private lives of citizens. The state, which previously allowed a liberal lifestyle in exchange for staying out of politics, is now altering the rules. Restrictions apply to popular platforms like YouTube, and extend to social issues such as divorce and abortion.
The aim of these actions is to create a new, anti-Western society with values different from those in the West. Democracy and human rights are marginalized, and Russians who disagree with the new model are accused of lacking patriotism.
What does Putin's decree mean for Ukraine?
"Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" reports on Putin's decree forcing Ukrainians in occupied territories to accept Russian citizenship or leave their homes. This action is seen as a step towards the Russification of eastern Ukraine and undermining it as an independent nation.
Reinhard Veser from "FAZ" emphasizes that the decree sends a "peaceful message" from Moscow, coinciding with talks with the United States. The Kremlin aims to cement divisions and obstruct reconciliation with the West.
What are the consequences for future generations?
Russia limits contacts with Western Europe, affecting scientific and educational exchange. In education, a military model of upbringing is being fortified, making future reconciliation with the West more difficult. A new generation of Russians is growing up in an atmosphere where reconciliation with the West seems almost impossible.
As highlighted by "Sueddeutsche Zeitung", Russian authorities aim to maintain these divisions, and ending the war will not halt the wave of propaganda. Russia is building a society to serve as the foundation of a new order, distinct from Western values. This poses a challenge for future generations that will have to deal with the consequences of these actions.
