Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: Fires & Russian Imperialism

"Once you tear it off then people can see the horribleness like how could people side with an abuser and against someone who's trying to take out a restraining order against this abuse."

Hello Team!

Jonathan provides extra tidbits and nuggets in this Ukraine War update extra video to give viewers a greater understanding of the war in Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

Fires in Russia

• Jonathan often reports on fires starting in Russia, using the hashtag #RussiaOnFire
• Some have questioned if these fires are out of the ordinary
• A Forbes article from April 2023 confirms the number of fires in Russia is increasing sharply
• In the first 3 months of 2023 there were 212 fires compared to 414 for all of 2022
• The rate of fires went up 26% in both November and December 2022
• Each fire is a multi-million dollar event at a time when Russia's economy is in steep decline
• Fires are concentrated in Moscow, which had 40 of 414 fires in 2022 (10%) and 35 of 212 fires in Q1 2023 (16%)
• Possible causes suggested are actions by Russian partisans opposed to Putin or long-range sabotage by Ukrainian forces
• Jonathan suggests insurance fraud could also be a factor given the failing economy
• The fires are significant and part of a trend showing something unusual is happening in Russia

Return to top⤴️

Russian Imperialism and the Anti-Imperialist Left

• Continuing discussion from a previous video about an article on how Russian colonialism took the western anti-imperialist left for a ride
• The article calls out those, like Cornel West, who criticize US imperialism to the point of being blind to Russian imperialism
• Russia's imperialism differs from overseas empire building - it is more about expanding from a central position and assimilating surrounding nations
• Russia's covetousness towards Ukraine stems from the myth that Russia is the heir to the medieval state of Kievan Rus
• 15th century Muscovy invented this myth to justify conquest of Novgorod
• The independent Russian state was born from the victory of authoritarianism over democracy
• There is a strain of authoritarianism in Russian history from monarchy to Bolshevism to Putin
• Russia must undergo a process of decolonization and repentance to heal and reconcile with neighboring countries it has subjugated
• Critics of US imperialism need to remove the "invisibility cloak" allowing Russia's colonial legacy to go unnoticed

Return to top⤴️

Colonialism in Africa

• Jonathan reflects on his coverage of the situation in Niger and realizes he didn't provide enough context on why African nations may want to reject French colonialism
• A viewer comment provides insight, explaining how France has been extractive in Mali, using its Foreign Legion to secure raw materials for international companies without building the local economy or involving locals
• This led Mali's new leader to expel the French and sever diplomatic ties
• The sentiment in Mali is that France is still colonial in its attitude
• While Russia's involvement is worrying, Western powers bear some responsibility for anti-West sentiments allowing Russia to gain influence
• Another comment from a white African provides historical context on how Russia supported African independence movements against British and French oppression
• Africans may have a different view of Russia than Westerners based on their colonial history
• Jonathan reflects on the need for nations to have an objective understanding of world history, not just through the lens of their own nationhood

Return to top⤴️

Wrap up

Jonathan thanks viewers for their support, particularly Mikey from Cambridge, Scott Nolan, Arwin Heinemann, and Mark Biskie. He appreciates the thought-provoking comments and perspectives shared.

Return to top⤴️