Russia’s war is something to behold in these current, modern times. It’s not easy to understand, but this is where Russia comes in. Most of Russian life and history has been difficult to decipher for many people.
It’s pursued a policy of intimidation for too long. It’s led to a thinning of relations and a cultural ‘drift’ that’s resulted in much misunderstanding. It hasn’t necessarily stopped interchange, but at this point the story is bare.
There’s a thin line of interaction and no further. The results of failed diplomacy and broken attempts to reach out across a divide shows it. It’s also indicated in sparse news reporting. It’s a legacy of distrust that’s lasted for decades.
He doesn’t note that we draw a line at content that’s not wanted for obvious, moral reasons.
He doesn’t recognise that Russian media aims to undermine if not destroy our own.
He doesn’t highlight his own approach to foreign affairs or international relations and how it stifles free speech.
This is the perfect art of a leader unencumbered by democracy or the forces of reason or change. We benefit, while the Russian people and its state suffer in silent rancour and undeterred pessimism.
According to TASS, a Russian news network, Bortnikov called out recent comments by Sir Richard Moore regarding the defection of Russian citizens to MI6 to serve the interests of the UK.
“Mr. Moore is perhaps aware of what such calls may imply, given the problems in politics, the economy and society facing England itself and numerous ill-wishers of the British empire.”
This is bad news for the UK. It’s because we rely on good things being said about us by foreign states. The fact this has been declared means that we may have more problems in future.
However, the comments are purely one-sided. Russia itself is a broken up federation of former Soviet states. It suffers strongly with riddled crime and other inhumanities that Russians can’t overcome.
They barely get any help. Putin’s authoritarian leadership structure is largely impervious to complaints. It puts out wise words to the Russian people but it doesn’t back these up with firm action.
It’s also a show of contempt for the efforts of world leaders to make peace today. The old Russia makes new waves in a modern facade of a warmongering nation.
For a brief moment Russia looked inwardly this last week. Following a set of regional elections, President Putin addressed the newly elected candidates. His message was plain and simple. He wants them to focus on the life of the ordinary Russian. He expects good livings standards for everyone. He regards their performance in office as vital to the success of this plan.
“Overall, creating comfortable, favourable environments for living, working, self-fulfilment, and leisure. Not just in regional capitals, but also in small towns and rural areas. All this serves to unlock human potential, the potential of regions as a whole, and ultimately strengthens our country, ensuring its sustainable, confident development.”
It’s a message eerily reminiscent of Soviet Russia, but it has the effects of modernity. He’s placing trust in power and in processes that flow from the Kremlin. He’s seeking to excite his new leaders – or warriors on the frontline of the Russian state – to see their corporate aims as the highest good for the country. It’s not easy as over a million Russians have now died in their pointless war, but the belief is there at least.
Russia is sending its people online to boast about its fortunes. This is the conclusion to seeing live shows presented by citizens that may be Russian military personnel. The value in doing it is perceived to be a boost to reputation – and morale.
Clips of alleged Russian military personnel sharing their interests online (via YouTube).
This is key for the Russian army. It needs to present a living attitude, or standard, so-called that brings to mind a modern Russia that supports its citizens. However, as more people die on the frontlines such tactics look increasingly desperate.
The activity of pro-Russian activists is reaching new heights. This is because of a renewed push to increase influence abroad.
It’s done by Russians looking to serve their country by a blend of information and technology.
It’s usually easy enough to complete. The user just needs a smart device like a phone or tablet and a solid Internet connection.
The rest is guided or “coached” by a fellow citizen. Their job is to help them to begin their journey as a servant of the State anywhere in the world.
Their progress is slow to begin with because the effort needs to be built up – and they have to prove their loyalty. Yet it’s now proved that many keep to it.
They begin to enable further spying operations and increased coverage for Russia. This is surveillance upscaling on the cheap.
Walking the walk
The other side of the process – that of the operator – is far removed from the world of the helping hand who is expected to work hard.
They’re usually happy at first to get paid for doing it, especially as the cost of living internationally increases exponentially.
However, it proves to be back breaking. The long hours are off putting and the pay rises are not forthcoming.
Their handlers are often ‘pushy’ types and have a tendency to shout or be aggressive. It’s difficult to keep going if their country is also being abusive in their direction.
However, the urge to do it beats a desire to protest. There’s now evidence of extensive attempts to cover whole cities in the West. It employs thousands.
Getting started
The Piratka group on Telegram is a good example of what it’s like for a new user. This one is about counter-Intelligence.
Piratka group on Telegram gives users a quick idea of what it’s like to spy casually on us.
It features film posters and posts in Russian illustrative of the type of approach the ‘handler’ wants from their students.
It’s alleged the technique is derogatory toward those who work in Intelligence in the UK, and other European nations.
The student is meant to despise it and put it down as nefarious behaviour dressed up to be expert. This diminishes confidence.
The denial of dignity and erosion of professionalism is a typical starting point for some pro-Russian groups active in the West.
Pure invention
This “Training Platform” method is roughly populated by material from manuals individuals get as part of their own training by the Russian state.
Their approach is not necessarily controlled but the outcomes are. These are set and directed by those in Russian spying bodies. They want to see targets met.
All they have to do is find creative ways of communicating their directives without drawing strong interest. It’s to avoid so-called ‘censors’ in the West.
However, albeit the posts are not straightforward calls to execute citizens, the intent is to glorify Russia and promote its aims.
The stages beyond are more detailed and can be more disruptive. If there’s not more Policing of such infiltration of our streets, the results may be seen in our daily lives.
The Russia that we know of is not as historical as we presume, that’s if your dealings with it are purely on its modern terms. The Presidency of Russia is known as technically advanced for example, and it has a tight grip on the Russian people. Its level of control is far higher than in other Western democracies.
However, the Russian state itself is still riven with desires for older times or more brutal control. There are competing factions that want different forms of Presidency, but these are ideals for a dictatorship and not a more open rule.
The rumours swirl around the Kremlin, the seat of its power, that Putin has faced tumultuous times in his terms. These include his family disappearing from view, attempts at takeover, and internal conflict. This is not flattering for an administration of public relations.
Russia says its invasion of Ukraine is to stop a threat to its own national security. However, it’s not just a violation of sovereign territory, but it’s also a call for the cessation of a democratic Ukraine. To many Ukrainians, democracy is still new there and it threatens it.
Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says the Russian invasion is a national security effort.
It’s accepted the uncertainty of it is far removed from the problems of other Western powers. The bombardment isn’t like a volley of awkward questions from reporters. It’s more of a fundamental test of resolve. It challenges – and reshapes – national character.
Putin’s challenge in the effort is a zero-sum game in his eyes. He doesn’t see compromise as necessary to a victory, and agreements may threaten to diminish potential outcomes. It’s a war of perfect returns. He wants a safer Russia and this is how he gets it.
The Russian state is a large, complex modern drama that blends politics and deep heritage. However, its mixed blessing even for the Russian people is a curse for the rest of us. It doesn’t lay straight lines for diplomacy as much as it bends and breaks the rules by it.
All the Presidents of Russia since 1991 (Images: Wikipedia).
The Ukraine-Russia war is a part of the takeover of the modern Russian mindset by strong Presidents. They love an assertive platform in public. They sabre rattle at their neighbours – who are also now all perceived as enemies.
The Putin-Trump summit isn’t the only way to do it. If the UN hadn’t of berated Israel so much, it might have taken a chance to intervene. It might still have to.
The problem in international affairs is finding time. There isn’t scope to regret and forget so quickly. The short-term lives on for longer than people think.
The Israel-Gaza conflict is clearly taking up time – and leading to precious few results. The pressing matter of peace in Europe is taking up American hours.
It’s the wrong way to do it. The right path is to let peace come by fair means set out for the benefit of the international community. It has to rest on all of us.
Russia is wrong. Putin is selfish. He’s invading sovereign territory. His views are old fashioned. His motive is not crystal clear. He wants to rule a democratic nation. He wants to bait Europe at its doorstep. He’s looking for fights.
His map is wrong. He doesn’t see the spread of freedom. He doesn’t value elections. He doesn’t regard new parties. He doesn’t note changes in societies. He ignores all this for his own agenda. It’s a poor vision of a dark future.
In an exclusive for Conservative News Site, a so-called “Controller” in Russian media circles, also believed to be behind multiple attempts at sabotage in UK media, is pictured here for the first time.
Suspect: “Controller” in Russian media
It’s believed the suspect, nicknamed Sergei, is an expert at research and also derives sensitive cultural information for use in Russian institutions. He’s said to harm specific UK-based media staff.
