Russia has a mission, and that mission is in Europe, Smeets says. There is also Russia’s negative mission, such as to heal us of homosexuality, pedophilia and other forms of Christian decadence ‘as seen by Russians’. When Russia becomes dependent on those big countries, China and India, he thinks there will be a big brain drain from Russia.
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Russian society has also become “increasingly passive and apathetic” since the start of the war, notes Smeets. “The Russians aren’t saying the war should end, but they are busy with other things.” A further effect of the war industry and economy and related sanctions is inflation in the country. “This can occupy two-thirds of Russians, while only one-third are concerned with the war itself.”
End of war
While Smeets was previously quite optimistic about Ukraine’s chances in this war, he expresses a different view in this conversation. Putin suffered a major political defeat, especially in Europe. But militarily I think it’s too early to decide who will be the winner.’ The longer it takes, the more difficult it will be for Ukraine, says Smeets. “I don’t think that leads to optimism.”
Also listen to BNR De Wereld | Russia’s mission is in Europe