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The overwhelming majority of Russian citizens support both the war and Putin. One need not take Russian polling's word for it. Even independent polling suggests
by uberman 5y ago
The overwhelming majority of Russian citizens support both the war and Putin. One need not take Russian polling's word for it. Even independent polling suggests Putin enjoys wide support and that only 23% of Russians oppose the war in Ukraine.
While there are certainly oligarchs (who have the most to loose) who have spoken out against the war, the "Z" branding is very popular in Russia with influencers and athletes brandishing it brazenly in their respective forums.
So yes, I recognize that not every Russian supports the war or Putin and that sucks for them. The reality is that the vast majority do. Pressure on Russians puts pressure on Putin and likely in a way that is more effective that hoping that the next impounded mega-yacht was actually his.
- vba616 5y agoI have seen nobody mention it, but is "Z" by any chance associated with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_Z_(film) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_Z_(film) ? I was thinking perhaps Russians are thinking of the opposition being zombies in much the same way as right-wingers talk about NPCs. Or maybe it's just a coincidence.
- uberman 5y agoI am under the belief that "Z" was painted on military vehicles transiting to be part of the pre-war buildup on Russia's western border. "Zapad" being Russian for "West". I don't know this to be true but it seems plausible to me. I'm sure there are plenty of co-opted uses/meanings of the "Z" now though.
- kogfkdokgfdgf 5y ago"the "Z" branding is very popular in Russia with influencers and athletes brandishing it brazenly in their respective forums" I only know of two times this has happened. The gymnast one and the rally one, which reportedly was a forced event. Every other athletic event that involves Russian athletes, like hundreds here including the hockey playoffs and figure skating, have not displayed the Z branding.