The Kremlin Prepares the Russian Society for a Possible Prolonged Conflict with NATO - ISW.

The Russian authorities are systematically increasing the military character of their society, trying to justify the war against Ukraine and preparing citizens for a future prolonged confrontation with NATO.

This was reported by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The Kremlin continues to rethink the narratives that Russian officials have repeatedly used to justify Russia's invasion of Ukraine, seeking to further militarily mobilize Russian society in the future, likely in preparation for a possible prolonged conflict with NATO.

Experts cite the example of a statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding the EU’s recommendation to European leaders not to participate in the Moscow parade on May 9. According to the Russian diplomat, the EU is fueling a 'neo-Nazi ideology' in Europe, and Russia will do everything possible to counter it.

The ISW notes that such statements are part of the Kremlin's strategy to manipulate myths about the 'Great Patriotic War' and hostility toward Europe and NATO. According to analysts, this is being done to increase negative sentiments among Russians and engage them in supporting the military mobilization of society.

Experts remind that Vladimir Putin often uses the term 'denazification' to justify his attempts to change the government in Ukraine. False allegations about 'Nazis' in power in Kyiv became one of the pretexts for the invasion in 2022.

Researchers at ISW assert that the Kremlin is increasingly applying the same tactics towards Finland, former Soviet republics, including Estonia and Moldova, to justify its attempts to control independent states and create informational preconditions for future aggressive actions by Russia.

Analysis

According to the ISW report, the Russian authorities continue to strengthen the military character of their society in various ways. This is done through rethinking and utilizing myths about the past, a common enemy, and creating negative sentiments among the population. Such a strategy is aimed at mobilizing Russians and preparing for a possible prolonged conflict with the NATO alliance. Statements by Russian officials about the 'neo-Nazi ideology' in Europe, allegedly fueled by the EU, have become part of this strategy. The use of the term 'denazification' and accusations of 'Nazis' in power in Ukraine is another tool to justify military aggression. These actions of the Kremlin aim to shape a positive attitude towards war and prepare Russian society for a prolonged conflict.