Putin’s Consistent Support: A Closer Look at Russian Protests and Western Narratives
Has There Been a Revolt Against Putin in Moscow?
I am surprised at some of the answers. Perhaps it is the result of constant Western propaganda that spreads the opposite of reality.
Prompted by the consistent messaging from Western sources, some may question the current political landscape in Russia, specifically in Moscow. However, the reality on the ground presents a different picture. According to recent polls, Putin has an 85% approval rating among the Russian people, which far exceeds that of any US or European leader. This high approval rating is a testament to the trust and support Russian citizens have for their president, underlining the systemic sense of protection that Putin provides from external threats.
The Context of Putin’s Popularity
Deeper analysis reveals why Putin's ratings are so high. He is loved by his people for his relentless efforts to protect Russia from Western intentions to break the country into pieces. In this discourse, it is essential to understand that Russia's geopolitical position has long been under threat. The United States has historically aimed to weaken Russia, capitalizing on its size and diversity, rather than fostering internal development.
Zbigniew Brzezinski: The Vision behind NATO Expansion
Zbigniew Brzezinski, the former National Security Advisor of the United States, articulated a vision in the early 1990s that still resonates today. He argued that:
"Given Russia’s size and diversity, a decentralized political system and free-market economics would be most likely to unleash the creative potential of the Russian people and Russia’s vast natural resources. A loosely confederated Russia — composed of a European Russia, a Siberian Republic, and a Far Eastern Republic — would also find it easier to cultivate closer economic relations with its neighbors. Each of the confederated entities would be able to tap its local creative potential stifled for centuries by Moscow’s heavy bureaucratic hand. In turn, a decentralized Russia would be less susceptible to imperial mobilization.">
This is precisely what NATO’s eastward expansion into Ukraine, starting around 2006, was designed to achieve. The United States sought to weaken Russia’s influence in East Europe and promote regime change, knowing that such a scenario would greatly disrupt Russia’s stability and autonomy.
Protests and Allegations: A Closer Examination
Despite the high approval ratings for Putin, there have been several protests across Russia, including in Moscow. These protests often feature young activists, such as Alexei Navalny, who challenge the political status quo. One of the most notable protests involved protesters pouring green dye into ballot boxes and setting things ablaze. However, such events do not reflect a mass uprising against Putin.
The Navalny Funeral: Peaceful Protests
One significant event was the funeral of Alexei Navalny in 2021, which saw a mix of emotions and some protests. According to various reports, it was quite peaceful. There were some screams, cries, and anti-government chants, yet nothing physical happened. Not even a small pogrom was reported. This indicates that the Russian people do not align with the revolutionary rhetoric often portrayed by Western media.
"There are not enough real crazies so we have no leaders." - A famous Russian poet
This quote encapsulates the reality that many Russian protesters are not driven by a vision of revolution but rather by a desire for systemic change, which they see as unlikely to come from their current leaders, including Putin.
For many Russians, Putin remains a leader who has a clear vision for preserving Russia's sovereignty and national unity against external pressures. While protests and opposition remain, they are more focused on expressing dissatisfaction with minor issues rather than calling for a regime change.