Once marginalized as a threat to the Kremlin, Russian nationalists began to emerge as a driver force behind What President Vladimir Putin called Moscow”special military proces” in Ukraine.
Moscow military judicial intervention in Ukraine has done wonders for Occupation of National blogger Roman Antonovsky, who air The time has ticked up since the heavy fighting broke out out in February.
Patriotism is the latest fad in Russia “42-year-old marketing specialist with shimmering eyes It reminds us of a handlebar mustache of He said the imperial age of Russia before taking to the stage at a patriotic concert in Moscow.
“I like your faces. Liberalism did not distort them! ” like- Mobilize the mind before reading out national poems.
Ultranationalists support for The campaign Rather, encourage them to launch rare criticisms of Officials see it responsible for Errors on The battlefield.
after setbacks like in Northeastern Ukraine in Kharkiv region and south city of Kherson, the nationalists criticized out In generals, he demanded general packing and even for The use of nuclear weapons.
Russophobia has united us”
Their influence was growing on display in August at the funeral of Daria Dugina – L.N daughter of Far-right political figure Alexander Dugin – beyond death in a car Blame the bomb on Ukraine.
Hundreds gathered for memorial service in Moscow and condolences poured out inincluding from Putin.
Bloggers, journalists and intellectuals with Nationalist views were once limited to social media Now repeated air time on Russian state television.
The Kremlin needs nationalists support The special military process,” sociologist Lev Gudkov, head of The independent polling center Levada told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Research done out by Levada Center shows that 78% of Russians think that Russiagreat A country surrounded by enemies, Gudkov said.
And a growing feeling of Russia isolation It is a common message for Russia new patriots for their adoption.
In blog posts and on Radio Talking Antonovsky up for “The great Russian Empire “as” last stronghold of traditional Value”.
He criticizes what he describes as the liberal West and invites it for disinfection in Russia of Russophobia and nationalization media.
“The West is Russophobic” saysUnite us. “
‘marriage of convenience’
Valery Romanov, a student says some young people We are drawn to russian history and nationalist voices in part to better understand “what’s happening now”.
“Nationalism is not necessarily an extreme,” Old said. “It’s the highest appearance of Patriotism.
he is also He manages logistics for Black Hundred Publishing house Named after the monarchist and ultra-nationalist movement in Russia in early twenties century.
two of He told his friends to AFP, took a year off from study to fight in Ukraine.
However, Romanov does contribute through fundraising of Medicine, food and clothing to send to the front.
twenty seven-year- ancient researcher Daniel Mkhnitsky, who considers himselfnational-democrat” is the founder of a small Politician group It’s called “Society. The Future,” which is also Fundraising for Russian forces.
they next truck We will leave with 2300 first”Just groups,” he said.
Europe thought the sanctions would pay off us to overthrow Putin. But it has the opposite effect: Russian patriotism is flourishing.
Gudkov, sociologist, says The rising National tide it currently The Kremlin serves its potential drawbacks.
“This imperialist chauvinism can be very dangerous, and it can become hegemonic politics force in country due to weakness of Civil society ” says.
Makhnitsky “has no illusions” about the Kremlin’s tolerance for the movement.
“It’s a marriage of Comfort, he said: “Once a peace agreement is signed, so will it be over. “
