Thread by @ChrisO_wiki

1/ A prominent Russian political scientist has proposed sending Russian veterans of the war in Ukraine to Siberia, as a way of securing a new Asian destiny for Russia. This has received a frosty response from Russian warbloggers. ⬇️

2/ The proposal was made by Sergey Karaganov, the scientific director of the Faculty of World Economy and World Politics at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, and Honorary Chairman of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy.

3/ In an article titled "Logistics for Greater Eurasia", Karaganov argues that Russia should turn its back on an ungrateful Europe and focus instead on an Asian destiny.

4/ He writes that "fighters who will return from the war with the West in Ukraine should not only replenish the management class, but also get promising, highly qualified and highly paid work, building new infrastructure in Siberia."

5/ "Many of them will stay there and become Siberians, as was the case during the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline."

Yuri Baranchik gives the idea a cold shoulder:

6/ "It was not enough for [soldiers] to face hardships at the front, injuries, loss of comrades, PTSD, and years of separation from their families, children, relatives, and loved ones; now they should be given a new task – to raise Siberia."

7/ "That is, considering the enormous patriotic potential of the war heroes, their personal charisma, combat and organizational experience, it is proposed not to use the cream of the nation in the capitals, in the best Moscow, St. Petersburg and other places, the most…

8/ …prestigious and highly paid, where the bohemians are now, or in the same army, not to mention other security agencies, so that they would restore order, fight illegal migration, pass on their invaluable combat experience in schools, universities, special training courses,…

9/ …etc., but simply dump them far away from the decision-making centers, from the capitals, into the remote Siberian wilderness, so that they do not shine. The ‘Proles’ have been reclaimed - be happy that there is a job in Siberia. ‘Highly paid.’ Is that the logic?

10/ "And that families should move there from their homes. And to organise compact settlements. As it was during the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline. That's a great idea.

11/ "Well, our heroic guys have already proved everything to everyone, there are no topics that are too difficult for them. There is just one question - did you ask the people, those very heroes of the SVO [Special Military Operation]?

12/ "And secondly. There is one good principle in the army – if you offer an initiative, you are the first to do it.

13/ "If the respected Sergey Karaganov is so concerned about the veterans of the SVO, then it is logical to lead this important process – to organize a team, move to Siberia,…

14/ …to show from personal experience that cultivating Siberian virgin lands in the fresh frosty air is a first-class idea." /end

Sources:
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🔹rg.ru/2025/09/08/log…