**The Unseen Trap: How the West’s Approach to Ukraine Aids Putin**
As the world continues to watch the conflict in Ukraine, a subtle yet crucial dynamic has emerged. The West is often caught up in celebrating Russian dissidents and critics of Vladimir Putin’s regime, while neglecting the very real threat posed by Russia’s imperial ambitions. This oversight not only undermines Ukraine’s efforts but also inadvertently helps Putin achieve his goals.
The recent Oscars ceremony was a prime example of this phenomenon. Yulia Navalnaya accepted the award on behalf of her husband, Alexei Navalny, without mentioning Ukraine or the daily bombings that plague the country. Instead, she highlighted Russia’s internal struggles, glossing over the fact that Navalny has been a vocal supporter of Russian interests in Ukraine, even going so far as to suggest that Crimea would remain part of Russia.
Similarly, the film “Anora” swept five Oscars, including Best Picture, without acknowledging its connection to Kremlin propaganda. This pattern is not new; since 2022, Ukrainian war efforts have extended beyond the battlefield, with Russia using soft power tools like Eurovision contests and literary classics readings to spread their message of imperialism.
**The Uncomfortable Truth: Western Audiences Can’t Tell the Difference**
Ukrainians are tired of explaining why it matters that some Russian dissidents and critics are, in fact, imperialists who support Putin’s regime. Olha Rudenko, a top historian, pointed out that mixing Russian and Ukrainian narratives in public forums is not only wrong but also deeply inappropriate. The war, she argued, is fundamentally about Ukraine’s sovereignty and identity, which Ukrainians are fighting to defend.
Rudenko criticized Western roundtables for inviting “good” Russians to discuss Ukraine, effectively hijacking the narrative and overshadowing the country’s efforts. She also slammed Russian liberals and independent media for lacking responsibility and self-reflection about their society’s complicity in supporting the war.
**The Problem with Russian Liberals**
Meduza, a Russian opposition outlet, recently sparked outrage when it launched a promo campaign featuring photos of Ukrainian civilian casualties to advertise its own struggles as exiled journalists. Critics called it exploitative, and the campaign was later terminated.
Rudenko’s words are telling: “When 70+ percent of society supports the killing of civilians and a war of aggression, they are not victims, they are potential killers.” This sentiment highlights the need for Ukraine to reject Russian voices that prioritize internal struggles over the country’s sovereignty and identity.
**Ukraine Calls Out the West**
As the conflict rages on, Ukraine is calling out the West for its approach. By inviting “good” Russians to discuss their country’s issues, the West inadvertently aids Putin’s regime in maintaining its grip on power. It’s time for the West to recognize this dynamic and support Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim its sovereignty.
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