In a bold display of defiance, ordinary Russians are calling on President Putin to bring their sons and husbands home from the battlefield. This audacious call for repatriation resonates in a society where any form of dissent is often met with strict reprisals.
State television portrays a picture of triumph, showcasing Russian troops advancing near Bakhmut, Ukraine; bragging about seized territories, and the alleged retreat of Ukrainian forces. However, the narratives are scewed as they fail to address the growing discontent brewing within the ranks of the deployed Russian troops themselves. Overlooked are the pleas of exhaustion and the longing for home expressed by soldiers like Alexander from Voronezh who was conscripted in January.
The mobilisation, which started in September, has been met with widespread displeasure as thousands have fled the country to evade the compulsory military draft. Those who remained to be bussed to Ukraine are now trapped in the throes of warfare, yearning for the comfort of home and familiar faces.
Despite the United States' prohibitive stance on aid to Ukraine, many in Russia believe that the West's resolution may buckle under pressure. This perceived likely capitulation has only served to bolster Putin's resolve, securing his decision to run, unopposed, for another term. The veteran leader strikes a stalwart figure in his first campaign speech, insisting that the differences must be cast aside and declaring, ' Russia will be sovereign or not there at all.'
His unwavering stance has found favour among die-hard supporters who cannot envision another leader at the helm. Christmas celebrations for many families, however, are subdued, captured succinctly by the simple plea emblazoned on a decorated tree: 'Bring my husband back, bring my dad home.'
As the year winds down, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict lingers on, outlasting the cheer and merriment of the festive season. With reports of Ukraine contemplating scaling back its military operations because of dwindling international aid, Russia reaffirms its commitment to escalate its activities on the battleground until deemed necessary by President Putin. Such is the somber close to a year punctuated by strife and conflict.
