Russians are increasingly speaking out against the war in Ukraine, with some even refusing to take up arms. The Kremlin’s annual “direct line” to Putin allows citizens to voice concerns, and this year, some have used it to express anger and challenge the war openly. This phenomenon is a stark contrast to the widespread support for the war that was evident in the early stages of the conflict.
Soldiers have complained about “unjustified casualties,” with one soldier stating, “We refuse to fight with assault rifles against tanks. Generally speaking, it’s a complete mess and the men are dying.” This sentiment is a stark contrast to Putin’s aggressive stance on Ukraine, which has led to an estimated 700,000 Russian casualties since the start of the invasion. The sheer scale of the losses has led to widespread discontent among Russian citizens, who are beginning to question the war’s justification and the government’s handling of the conflict.
A recent slip-up by Putin’s relative, Anna Tsivilyova, revealed that the Kremlin has received tens of thousands of appeals from relatives seeking information on missing soldiers. Her comments sparked a warning from Defence committee chief Andrei Kartapolov to keep the figures confidential. This attempt to conceal the true extent of Russia’s losses has only added to the growing sense of unease and mistrust among the Russian population.
Despite Russia’s “meat-grinder” tactic reaping rewards, with Moscow’s troops taking around 900 sq miles in eastern Ukraine and Russia’s western Kursk region, the war’s human cost is mounting. The UK Defence Intelligence notes that Russia’s gains have come at “enormous cost”. This assessment is echoed by Ukrainian officials, who claim that Russian forces have suffered heavy losses in recent months.
The growing discontent among Russians is also reflected in the increasing number of soldiers refusing to fight. This phenomenon is a significant concern for the Kremlin, which relies heavily on its military to maintain control and project power. The refusal of soldiers to fight undermines the government’s ability to wage war and may ultimately force Putin to reassess his strategy in Ukraine.
In conclusion, the war in Ukraine has reached a critical juncture, with Russians increasingly speaking out against the conflict and soldiers refusing to fight. The Kremlin’s attempts to conceal the true extent of Russia’s losses have only added to the growing sense of unease and mistrust among the Russian population. As the war’s human cost continues to mount, it remains to be seen how Putin will respond to the growing discontent among Russians and the increasing number of soldiers refusing to fight.
NGI 
SKJ