Putin is Trying to Use Religion to Motivate Russians

Video Summary

Russia’s Disastrous Invasion of Ukraine

The Chechen leader Katarov has called for wiping out Ukrainian cities amid attacks on his own soldiers, who were recently defeated in a Ukrainian airstrike. In response, Katarov has called for a Russian “Jihad” across all of Ukraine, claiming that the country is home to hundreds of satanic sects. Russia’s Security Council and state media are also spreading this narrative, trying to motivate the Muslim population within Russia to join the war.

However, this narrative is unlikely to succeed. Many Muslims in Russia have been treated poorly and view Katarov as a traitor. Russia is also losing the war and desperate for any way to win, including recruiting former Afghan Commandos and drafting people from other countries.

Despite their losses, Russia is not giving up. They have launched a nuclear exercise and are claiming that Ukraine plans to use a dirty bomb, a false narrative designed to distract from their own failures. In contrast, Ukraine is receiving military support from the US, including the first two Nasams air defense systems, which will help protect against Russia’s missile and drone attacks.

On the home front, Russia’s citizens are also struggling. A recent exercise simulated a coup, and a Russian priest responded to grieving mothers by saying they should have had more children if they didn’t want to lose some in the war. Amidst all this chaos, Ukraine is receiving support from everyday heroes, including two Dutch gentlemen who have driven a food truck to Ukraine to distribute free meals and a Ukrainian soldier who uses his downtime to create art. Despite the dire circumstances, these stories of hope and kindness are a beacon of light in the midst of conflict.