Putin's vodka ban: Can Russia's army sober up for survival?

Vladimir Solovyov, often branded as "Vladimir Putin's media soldier,” delved a little about drinking in the Russian army. He conceded the ban carries some justification, attributing it to the Ukrainians allegedly selling poisoned alcohol to unsuspecting soldiers, resulting in untimely and painful deaths.

But, is imagining a sober Russian army realistic? Vodka is often metaphorically branded as its fuel.

In his broadcast, Vladimir Solovyov crafted a narrative around the supposed danger from Ukrainian vodka. He portrayed the Armed Forces of Ukraine as planning a special operation, intending to distribute poisoned vodka near the front lines. This ploy is reportedly aimed at unsuspecting Russians purchasing alcohol to celebrate New Year's Eve.

In Solovyov's opinion, this is how Ukrainians aim to harm more Russian soldiers. It curiously battles the "second largest army in the world." He omitted mentioning that the demand for vodka among his compatriots is so high that supplies carried from their country quickly get depleted. This prompts soldiers to consume any alcohol they can lay their hands on.

It's a truth that partisans have resorted to poisoning and killing Russians in several regions of conflict. Notably, these include the Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions. According to Solovyov, vodka purchases by the aggressors is common. Without it, Vladimir Putin's army may not possess their characteristic valor and effectiveness. This substantial omission by the propagandist is worthy of mention.

His focus rested on a covert conspiracy allegedly being structured by Ukrainians against Russians.

Truth be told, excessive drinking by Russian soldiers poses a threat to both themselves and their commanders. Unprepared and usually assigned to lost positions, many soldiers essentially serve as cannon fodder. It's hardly surprising then, that they resort to drowning their stress and fear in vodka, which substitutes for anesthetics and painkillers and instills courage.

Moreover, vodka seems to be the best antidote for war trauma as psychologist visits are more fantasy than fact in the "second largest army in the world." The officers are not exempt from the prevalent binge drinking. An intoxicated army generally underperforms on the front line and are consequently prone to becoming easy targets.

Vladimir Putin and his government seem indifferent to the overwhelming drinking problem in Russia. Vladimir Solovyov advocates for prohibition in the military; after having seen his comrades binge drinking during his recent visit. However, he might as well be planning to conquer all of Europe in a week or Kyiv in three days.

Can Russians on the front lines exist without vodka? This seems highly implausible.