1/ Anna Colin Lebedev (@colinlebedev) has written an important thread in French on the social and political implications of the latest wave of videos from unhappy mobilised Russians. Here's an English translation. (See below for the videos.) ⬇️
https://twitter.com/ChrisO_wiki/status/1633920129560920067
2/ "Videos of complaints from mobilised Russians, most often addressed to regional governors and Putin, are proliferating on social media. They are systematically recorded by investigative journalists and volunteers, for example from
@CITeam_en.
@CITeam_en.
3/ The media outlet Verstka notes a sudden rise in the number of such videos. The content is always the same: 5 to 10 (hooded) men identify their military unit and their region of origin, and make complaints, while affirming their patriotism.
verstka.media/%D0%BC%D0%BE%D…
verstka.media/%D0%BC%D0%BE%D…
4/ While videos by the wives and mothers of the mobilised focus on their material conditions and military unpreparedness, the men dispute their commanders and complain of being used as cannon fodder.
5/ It is possible that these videos are just the tip of the iceberg. We do not know much about insubordination and conflict among the Russian forces on the front line. It is therefore difficult to draw firm conclusions about the mood of the troops.
6/ What the videos highlight, however, is the risk that the Russian state has exposed itself to by choosing to mobilise: the mobilised are civilians, attached to their former lives and above all connected. Some of them find the resources to speak out.
7/ These men's stories are already frequently about military operations that "don't make sense". On their return to civilian life, they will convey an image of the war that is different from that of the media, and from that of the pro-regime "war correspondents".
8/ Even though Vladimir Putin recently promised mobilised men leave every six months of service, it is certain that the return of these men will be a source of difficulties. However, many will not return, and others will be strongly encouraged to keep quiet.
9/ We should however monitor this practice of video complaints, which seems to be circulating and spreading. This type of practice is in line with the way Russians deal with their conflicts with authority, and may have more impact than an open street protest.
10/ The Russian regime is good at controlling demonstrations and political opposition. It is not good at controlling what circulates on the Internet, nor at controlling images in general in this war. "Loyal" and connected protest can be difficult to manage." /end
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