Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: PTSD, Retention, RU Disenfranchisement, & MICLICs
Table of Contents 📖
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"When you live in a country where you don't even have a two-party political state, when Putin has just changed all the rules so he's going to get in and get in and get in. What happens after a generation?"
Hello Team!
Jonathan shares a meme made for him featuring "nuggets and tidbits" and discusses how to get YouTube notifications for his videos by changing settings from "Personalized" to "All". He also mentions he will repeat this information in future videos for new viewers.
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Comparing Aid Packages
In response to a comment from Daniel M, Jonathan discusses the complexities of comparing aid given by different countries to Ukraine. Factors like the timing of the aid, what was actually sent vs officially announced, and other forms of support like taking in refugees make simple comparisons difficult. Jonathan agrees we need to be more nuanced in understanding the full picture of aid provided.
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Russian Soldiers "Sold" to PMC and Used as Assault Brigades
Chris O Wiki shares a thread about a group of 500 mobilised men from Crimea who were reportedly "sold" to the Veterans PMC mercenary group for 25,000 rubles each (approx. $310 USD). The men were threatened and forced to sign contracts before being sent to the front lines near Bakhmut with little supplies or communication. Many became casualties and relatives have been unable to contact survivors. Jonathan reflects on the mistreatment of Russian soldiers by their own side in this conflict.
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Russia's Looming Crises: Retention and Veteran PTSD
Dara Massicot, a senior policy researcher at RAND, discusses in a thread how the Russian military faces looming crises in retention and veteran PTSD. Current policies make it nearly impossible for soldiers to leave service, leading to prolonged combat stress. When restrictions are lifted, many may want to resign. The scale of troops exposed and lack of adequate psychiatric care in Russia could lead to a "Ukraine syndrome" similar to past conflicts. Jonathan notes Ukraine also faces major challenges with PTSD that will require ongoing support.
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Insights from a Russian Citizen on Political Attitudes
An in-depth comment from a 24-year old living in Russia is shared, providing insights into political attitudes. Key points:
- Most Russians, especially older generations, believe Putin is doing the right thing and justify his actions, seeing him as a nearly infallible "religious figure"
- Younger people are less engaged politically
- Many are afraid of freedom and democracy after the economic turmoil of the 1990s
- Russians are politically disenfranchised and uninterested after years of authoritarianism
- However, the commenter cautions against generalizing all Russians as "fascists" and notes many who oppose the war have left the country
Jonathan reflects on the cyclical nature of political disengagement under dictatorships and the challenges of effecting change in such an environment. He emphasizes the importance of fighting for democracy and against political apathy.
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MICLIC Mine Clearing In Action
Video is shown of MICLIC (Mine Clearing Line Charges) being used, presumably by Ukrainian forces, to clear paths through minefields. The charges create a lane by detonating mines, though a mine plow may still be needed to ensure the route is fully clear for mechanized units to pass through safely.
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Russian Soldiers Misled About Treatment as POWs
A clip is shared of an emotional Russian POW describing how he was treated humanely by Ukrainians after surrendering, contrary to what he had been told would happen (dismemberment, torture, execution). Jonathan reflects on the terrible predicament many Russian soldiers face, pressured on all sides, and how Russian propaganda aims to prevent surrender by spreading such fears. He praises the Ukrainian approach of encouraging surrender as a way to resolve standoffs without further loss of life.
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Wrap Up
Jonathan expresses his deep appreciation for all the support from his listeners and gives special thanks to a number of individuals. He signs off until the next update.
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