Do Russians Working for the Kremlin Go Home with a Clear Conscience? A Question of Morality and Duty

The question of whether Russians who work for the Kremlin have a clear conscience is a complex and often polarizing one. This article delves into the psychological and ethical aspects of serving under Putin's leadership, contrasting historical precedents and the current situation in Russia to provide a broader perspective.

Historical Context and Comparisons

To answer the question, it's useful to draw parallels from history. During World War II, members of the Third Reich, including those involved in the Holocaust, did not express much remorse for their actions. Many felt they were acting in the best interests of their country and were even celebrated by their peers. More than 40 million people lost their lives in World War II due to these actions, yet the perpetrators often went home with a clear conscience.

Modern Russian Military Service

Jumping to the 21st century, we see a similar pattern of non-accountability within the Russian military and its affiliated organizations. The Russian military, including those serving under the Kremlin, often lack a clear moral compass. This is evident in anecdotes and accounts from soldiers who have served in various operations.

Conflicting Attitudes

Many Russian soldiers, like those serving in the Russian Army, feel a sense of obligation to their country. Despite being paid decent wages, they sometimes face public disillusionment. For instance, two young servicemen from the Russian army expressed dissatisfaction with how they are perceived by civilians. They felt that people didn't respect them, despite being law-abiding citizens and fulfilling their duties.

War is inherently unjust and brutal. For those engaged in it, the primary goal is often to survive. This mindset is reflected in the attitudes of many Russian soldiers. They are concerned with staying alive rather than reflecting on the morality of their actions. They might be conscious of the laws and duties they serve, but their actions may not align with conventional notions of ethical behavior.

At the same time, many propagandists, like Margarita Simonyan, continue to support the Kremlin's agenda, regardless of the consequences. Simonyan's actions and statements reflect a lack of conscience, as she remains focused on her role in supporting the "special military operation" and receives no remorse even after incidents occur. This highlights the disconnection between official rhetoric and personal culpability.

Stories from the Front

Stories from the frontlines provide insight into the attitudes of those directly involved in military operations. Alexei Kostromin, a former convicted felon turned Wagner fighter, represents a stark contrast to the idealized soldiers portrayed by the Kremlin. Kostromin, wanted by police in Kirov for a previous crime, is now accused of brutal assaults and rape. His history and current behavior underscore the complexities of moral responsibility in wartime.

Covering Windows and Continuing Duty

In regions like Belgorod, parents are helping cover school windows with sandbags, a precautionary measure against shelling. Despite these efforts, there is no visible outrage or call for peace from the local population. This apathy or acceptance reflects a broader societal acceptance of the ongoing conflict, suggesting that for many, the fight continues without much protest or condemnation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether Russians working for the Kremlin go home with a clear conscience is nuanced and multifaceted. Many are driven by duty, survival, and a sense of nationalism, while others may feel an ethical obligation to their actions. However, the overall narrative and actions of those in positions of power, as well as the general public's acceptance of the conflict, suggest a prevailing lack of moral accountability. The long-term impact of such attitudes on Russian society and its international standing remains a critical concern.