Why Are Russians Losing This War? An Inside Look at Military and Societal Failures

When discussing the war in Ukraine, perspectives on 'winning' vary widely. If 'winning' means taking over the entire territory of Ukraine, Russia certainly had grand ambitions but faced insurmountable challenges. However, 'winning' can also mean establishing significant control or deterring potential NATO expansion. In both interpretations, Russia's struggles are glaring.

Ukrainian Forces as a Superior Killing Machine

The Ukrainian military has proven to be a formidable adversary. Highly motivated and determined to liberate their occupied territory, they continue to push back against the Russian forces, which are often described as 'failing and inept'. The Russian military's performance has been particularly dismal, prompting some to explore the root causes behind their failure.

A Soviet-era Mistake: Learning from American Movies

A theory suggests that Russia's military incompetence stems from a peculiar source: Hollywood. Prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union, the KGB attempted to understand the secrets behind Western military advancements by mistakenly interpreting American films as genuine military training manuals. Movies such as Stripes, Hot Shots!, and others, which were supposed to be exaggerated military comedy films, were seen as the blueprint for Western military strategies. This led to a humorously chaotic and ineffective training regimen that has persisted and now hampers the Russian army's performance.

Case Study: The First Battalion of Ukrainian Soldiers

According to recent reports, the Russian military has been making some efforts to bolster their ranks. A notable incident involved the recruitment of the first battalion of former Ukrainian soldiers who have now switched sides. Commander Andrei Toschenko posted video evidence of the unit's training, showcasing their participation in shooting drills and receiving Russian citizenship and military contracts. However, the underlying reasons for these recruitment efforts remain questionable, given the low morale and high costs of the conflict.

Where Do Russian Soldiers Go to Find a New Homeland?

While some Ukrainian soldiers are defecting to join the Russian military, many others are choosing to leave Russia altogether. One such example is the renowned Soviet-Russian rock musician, Andrey Makarevich, who moved to Israel after vocalizing his opposition to the war in Ukraine. His decision to relocate underscores the deep divide and the personal risks involved in remaining tied to the Russian military.

Escaping War: Artists and theporaists Taking Refuge

Israel is not the only destination for those seeking refuge from the war. Artists and performers who have criticized the war have sought safety in other countries. Maxim Katz, Alla Pugacheva, Maxim Galkin, and others have fled to Cyprus and London, while some have even relocated further, like Ivan Makarevich, who remained in Moscow but has been careful to sever ties with Russia due to the ongoing conflict.

Rule 34: The Unwritten Law of the Russian Mafia

In a society where personal actions can affect the futures of family members, the Russian Mafia follows a strict rule that children do not have to pay for the "sins" of their parents. However, this rule seems to have exceptions due to the current war. Andrey Makarevich, fearing the wrath of Hamas and Hezbollah rockets, has taken significant steps to protect himself, his family, and his property.

From transferring apartments to legalizing their stay in Russia, these actions reflect the broader societal impacts of the ongoing conflict. The war has not only divided countries but also deeply affected individuals and their communities, pushing some to make difficult choices about their future.