Due to misinformation, some Russian troops find the armed forces do not meet their expectations
-Analysis-
KYIV — Written messages have recently been found under car windshield wipers, in mailboxes, and on the doors of apartments of the families of Russian military recruits, known as Chmobyk. The messages carried phrases like: "You're the wife of a murderer, we all know!" or "You're the mother of a murderer, we all know."
These notes put substantial psychological pressure on the relatives of Russian soldiers who have been enduring months of unceasing battles.
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Sign up to our free daily newsletter.In the broader context, psychological warfare has emerged as a pivotal component within Ukraine's strategic arsenal. Within this context, there's a belief that a fighter, despite appearing as an individual, is shaped by moral, political, and psychological factors.
This perspective suggests that there might be instances of split personalities or confusion induced by political manipulation — the alignment of personal ideological and political beliefs, along with moral values, influences behavior and attitudes.
However, the psychology of Russian soldiers is fraught. At the beginning of the war, for example, there was a lack of comprehensive military-political propaganda and engagement with personnel to transition their mindset from civilian to military.
Influence and insubordination
Furthermore, the analysis of the socio-political landscape of Ukraine did not align fully with reality and thus confused soldiers. Misinformation about the moral and psychological state of Armed Forces personnel led to inaccurate expectations.
Incidents of insubordination underscore the extent to which psychological factors can influence troops
Russian troops were subject to significant information and psychological influence, employing NATO-style methods through Ukraine's psychological operations centers. The provision of derivative technical tools for military-political work was inadequate, impacting efforts to sustain high troop morale.
But there were also inadequacies in professional training for military-political leadership, as well as an apparent disregard for lessons from previous conflicts such as Syria and Karabakh, the disputed territory, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
In one specific regiment, there are major incidents of internal dissent and unrest. Anecdotes involving disgruntled soldiers and incidents of insubordination underscore the extent to which psychological factors can influence troops. The failure to adequately inform soldiers about the purpose and objectives of their operation further complicates matters.
Examples of the threatening messages left at the doors of Chmobyk families' homes
Viktor Kevlyuk
The Putin generation
Turning to the ideological foundation of the Russian military, a convoluted narrative comes to light. This narrative portrays Ukraine as a hotbed of fascist elements, supposedly formed by the West, seeking to overthrow governments and eliminate Slavic and Russian populations. This narrative, marked by conspiracy theories and exaggerated fears, seems to perpetuate a state of constant alertness and animosity.
Disillusioned with the status quo, they risk their lives for the prospects offered by military service.
This ideological landscape has significant implications for Russian soldiers' mindset. A generation raised under Putin's long-standing rule is depicted as seeking an escape from the suffocating reality of their daily lives. This generation, disillusioned with the status quo, may be willing to risk their lives for the prospects offered by military service in the ongoing conflict.
The ongoing conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces thus encompasses complex psychological and ideological dimensions. The use of psychological pressure tactics by Ukrainian forces has exacerbated the stress on the Russian troops, while a convoluted and exaggerated ideological narrative influences the mindset of Russian soldiers. These elements combine to create a complex and evolving battleground that extends beyond mere physical confrontation.
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