🔴 WATCH NEXT All about Putin and the hidden workings of the regime th-cam.com/video/ZwU13-4SakE/w-d-xo.html Casual chat about Putin in Yorkshire hills - th-cam.com/video/KNSBi6AmCxU/w-d-xo.html
Take a look at the Gas & Oil reserves that were proven to exist by 2012, and compare that to the areas invaded by Putin. What else do you need to know?
@@valthomsen2724, it means that the regime doesn't repress every sign of opposition. It picks out a few citizens that serve as examples, to intimidate the others.
I’ve been suffering from anxiety since the start of the crisis and I have to say that your analysis is some of the most grounded and rational that I’ve seen.
He's not grounded. He's just another "well ignore everything preceding the Russian attack" analyst. Where is his analysis of the Western leaders that threw countless countries in destruction? Where is his analysis of the western oligarchs that pushed the entire world into lockdown? And how will those people be remembered?
@Bojan Koturanovic notice how he said we're having a conversation even though we can't talk back to him not in real-time anyway. Hearing other people's opinions is a good and valuable thing even if you disagree with them as it provokes critical thought. In wartime situation the first victim is always the truth and if you apply the scientific method to everything you learn which I do and all and other should then you will know from using scientific methodology that there are no definitive answers only increasing levels of understanding Endeavour deepening questions. In event the only things that I'm sure of in this world are my daughter's love for me and I her. I suggest if you want to make contribution helpful to yourself and others don't use whataboutism is it only present the impression of one that is reinforcing their own cognitive biases
Realistic???? I have never heard so much bias. Russian people are crazy??. The Russian people didn't galvanize around Putin until the asinine sanctions came into play. This dude should be writing fiction novels
Ukraine . A nazi dictatorship. Who have been killing it's own people in Donbass for 8 years . Killing 14000 people. Se «Ukraine: On patrol with the far-right National Militia - BBC Newsnight» på TH-cam th-cam.com/video/hE6b4ao8gAQ/w-d-xo.html
I was so wrong when I thought he’d use potential invasion as a negotiation tool . He is much worse than what I thought . His name will be synonym of madness and blood forever.
I estimated the odds of a full scale invasion as unlikely. I was wrong. But the formula that threat of war is the main Russian diplomatic tool this decade remains.
@@evequeseance652 Typically yes indeed.What I found absolutely revolting is that Putin entertains the idea of fake negotiations while still bombing civilians, just to gain time.
There seems to be a streak of paranoia running through Russians and their leaders since time immemorial. This is typified by the Russian story of a peasant in the countryside. A stranger passes by and asks for shelter for the night. The peasant agrees to put the stranger up for the night. He cooks a meal, and they have a lovely evening with plenty of vodka drunk, and go to bed the best of friends. The peasant wakes up in the middle of the night and thinks, "who is this person ? Why did he come upon my house in the middle of the country ? He must be a robber, and will kill me and rob me and then make his escape" So he gets his gun and shoots the sleeping stranger. He then finds the strangers wallet and personal effects, and learns that the stranger is a priest. So he shoots himself.
What?! Where did you hear this story? Also, do you think like 200 years ago there was no paranoia in the western countries, everybody lived in perfect peace? I'll remind you that half of Europe saw dictatorships throughout the 20th century, you think people weren't paranoid in Franco's Spain? Ceaușescu's Romania? etc etc. So ask yourself why you're trying to create a mythological image of "the wild Russian".
@@vilaiupov7740 Because Russia has been like this for over 500 years. The Mongols, and their regional successor the Golden Horde, brutalized and oppressed the Rus for around 250 years and it has left old and very deep scars. In case you aren't interested in Slavic history, the US has existed for a comparable time and so much has happened in those two centuries. Imagine all the fucked up shit that the Golden Horde inflicted during that time period.
@@marw9541 Eh well, kinda, yeah, but i wasn't even trying to respond with a counter-argument because the claim itself is ridiculous. How can you seriously argue for smth like "nation N has always been crazy" if you consider yourself educated. But just so you know, for instance the newly established Soviet government was one of the first on the planet to give women right to vote and to decriminalize homosexuality.
Vlad, my sister was invited to teach a course in expediting in Russia in the early 2000's. She was greeted with derision by the male attendees, who reduced her to tears with their sneering arrogance. She was given no warning that the male mentality in Russia is generally 70 years behind the modern world.
What is "expediting"? And your reference to Russia being 70 years behind the modern world suggests an unwarranted ethnocentric bias in that it implies all countries should share the same universal cultural norms and develop at the same rate and that by not abiding by these cultural norms or developing in a way the West thinks they should they are in some way inferior, failed states.
3:05 excellent analysis brother, absolutely critical and accurate. Psychological trauma transcends generations. We on the west are very fortunate, and when that turns into arrogance and lack of tolerance, fascism rises. Excellent video keep up brother.
Thank you Vlad for your informative videos. I am Ukrainian background, 2nd generation in Canada. I am fully aware of Ukraine's history and the collective generational traumas as well. It has been heartbreaking watching Ukraine and her people being slaughtered because of one man's delusions and vendettas he is acting out upon. All we can hope is that there is an end to this soon; that accountability and responsibility is applied to Putin and those who are committing these inhuman acts of violence as well as those who refuse to get involved to stop the genocide. Although nothing will ever come close to atonement for this, there is a small hope that history will not repeat this a third time if enough of the world wakes up and stops/prevents these types of monsters from getting into power. 🙏
I discovered your wonderful channel yesterday through Dr. John Campbell with whom you had an interview about Putin. It was a great interview! I feel sad about the low subscription numbers, though hopefully let's change that. BTW, my parents both spoke Russian fluently in the house I grew up in Canada. They were Armenians who lived most of their lives in Soviet Armenia. I picked up a lot of the Russian language just by listening and talking to my parents then decided to formally study it. Oh what a beautiful and complex language it is. I even picked up the perfect accent. You'd never know I'm not Russian. Anyways, I don't know why I wanted to share this with you. But you know what else I'm gonna share? Your videos.
@@VladVexler Oh yes! I love reading Russian. I was an English major at university and whenever we studied Russian authors, I always managed to get my hands on an original Russian text. My parents already had a huge Russian library. Though I can't read it very fast.
I'm older than you. You are the generation of my children. I have grandchildren ranging from school age to young adults. One man should not be allowed to have the capability to destroy their lives or the world we leave for them.I was seven when my grandmother had a bomb shelter built in the basement. I remember the cold war pretty well. I'm terrified for what the world will be like as the ending of this war comes to a close. My greatest fear is that Putin will not give up under any circumstances he chooses. He will only stop if his people can see the truth of the war and revolt or if an outside agent takes him out. I don't see him ever complying with any agreement he claims. What he says means nothing. Lying is what he does. And he will keep up the war until he wins (which is unlikely to happen as the Ukrainians will not give up and the west will not allow them to be annihilated.) In other words Putin will continue until he dies.. I'm scared that he will use those damn nuclear weapons if he feels he is left without any options. He would be willing to sacrifice his Country and his life if it happens in war with the west especially. particularly holding the US at fault in his warped mind. Just take him out and save countless lives and liveable areas in our planet.
I like how you framed this in terms of historical trauma. I find it difficult to understand why most people don’t take this macro-worldview when it makes the most sense as a start when looking at all conflicts both internal and external.
@@VladVexler Yes. I think that Russia has been sick for centuries. Traumatized by generations of psychopath leaders. Both their own and those of some of their neighbours.
I live in EU, but this was once a part of Yugoslavia. I was a teenager when the war happened here. Luckily, we had only a very short one, but parts of my family were fleeing other parts of former Yugoslavia and I do remember driving to Belgrade to help them and bring them food and money after they escaped with their lives only. And I remember the bombs and trauma that all that happened left in people. The trauma is still here, over 30 years later in every part of the former common country. More trauma, the more east and south you go. And we watched Kosovo happen. It is almost impossible for most of my western friends to comprehend and understand so many things about all of this. Most people can look only from the western perspective of the experiences that shaped their mind and their reality so far. It is almost as they lack or miss a dimension required to comprehend the complexity with almost infinite layers of reality, stacked one upon another. When I watched preparation for the things unfolding now, even I underestimated the scope. I was thinking, he will go for Donbas, take out with missiles all key strategic and military places within Ukraine, but never was I expecting him to actually invade the rest of the Ukraine on foot. Russian economy the size of approximately Spain or Italy, can't take the insane sanctions imposed and when sons increasingly come back dead, that would sure wake up indifferent citizens. I can see the layers you are presenting in your last 2 videos but my question to you is, what do you think about possible alternative futures for the world and Europe as this scenario unfolds? What are most possible outcomes and timelines for that? Do you see this dragging on for the next year, two or is this new reality of Russian nuclear threat something EU will have to live with until death of Putin or perhaps even longer? How will this impact people and economy across the globe? I have my own ideas but I would love to hear your thoughts on this in the next episode maybe? Thank you for sharing your insight.
Tell the Serbs to remember their nation's genocide in Bosnia. Until they show contrition they will not have forgiveness. The Serb government chose to pursue "ethnic cleansing", there was a series of wars, massacres and the NATO intervention was a long overdue last resort after every other option failed. Sometimes the truth hurts but blame the war criminal Slobodan Milosović for the sorrow and shame he brought to his people.
Thank you for your comment! And for your patience! I will be responding to you in the next Q&A on the second channel, Vlad Vexler Clips. I will try to find this comments and drop you a time code. If I don’t manage, just look out for the next Q&A on the clips channel!
Just like psychotic abusive parents...the children grow up to be abusers from the trauma. That is what was created by the USSR. Many nations behind the Iron Curtain, produced heinous puppet dictators, and a sociopathic society among the surviving population. Many just trying to survive. Many are just animals not civilized human beings. Suppressed hatred, bigotry, racism, resentment, and turf wars.
@@wngimageanddesign9546 Hey, Yugoslavia was NOT a USSR creation, the British backed partisans and gradually favoured the communist ones BECAUSE they fought the Nazis hard. Yugoslavia drove the Nazis out without Russian forces, rather than having a Stalinist regime imposed on them. Soon they broke with Moscow and made reforms to moderate communism. This may have been allowed by Churchill's infamous napkin which put Greece 100% in W. allies influence and Yugoslavia 50%, while other unreachable countries in E.Europe inevitably would fall under USSR domination. Even the USA had strong left wing labor movements and post-war settlements reduced inequalities with social-democracies. Not so long ago governments were expected to deliver for their citizens.
Vlad, I only discovered your videos a few days ago. You have kept me glued to every word because you intelligently and insightfully explain what is essentially an alien environment. I only found this video today and when I saw it had been posted on the 25th before most of what is now well known had unfolded, you predicted exactly what has happened. It's giving me chills. Thank you for posting this content. Western leaders need to listen to you.
I will challenge your argument a bit... You start off with "Russians are more crazy" which isn't true. It's fun to say in jest but that's about it. Empircally they are no crazier than anyone else. Every culture has had its genocidal moment sadly! You say the two main motivations for Putin are individual/psychological but wars are fought for socioeconomic or geostrategic reasons mostly. Without mention of trade wars, nordstream 2, NATO expansion as an energy cabal or just the greater geopolitical context this "boogey man" explaination lacks substance. Russia is undoubtedly authoritarian and has yet to heal the mental wounds inflicted under stalin but that doesn't mean geopolitical threats dont exist from RUSSIAS standpoint. Youre probably are right about him worrying about his safety if he vacates the office, and if the west subverts the duma gets a puppet russian regime and that's what's scary about this situation...not that he cares about a legacy but that he fears for his life; and may use nukes to save it and ironically end it. Even though China would never allow NATO into Russia... But I actually think it's more about money and that nordstream pipeline, and definitely some inner circle stuff between Ukraine and Russia we don't even understand Even Chomsky admits that NATO exists now only to run an energy racket as the threat of "Russian hordes" are a fraction of what it was when it originated. Anyways it's far more complex than "Putin has a dream"
Hey Nate, hope you are going OK. All of that is valid and part of the picture, but it's what most people already know. I'm speaking to a Western audience soaked in cartoonish pictures of of the Kremlin. When I say crazy, I don't mean that literally. What I do mean is that it takes thought and self extraction to put yourself in the place Putin. Most of time, when it comes to making sense of a regime like this, our brains stop working. In so far as this is true of our leaders, this is dangerous. There is an historical legacy dimension to the Ukr war. There is also a huge geopolitical dimension - I discuss this more in my previous video. Ukr is part of Russia's sphere of influence in Putin's view. Not recognising that, on his view, seeds global risk and instability. There is also a logic of escalation playing out due to the specific dynamics in the Kremlin. TBC! Please keep well and thanks for reacting!!
Sorry, the only thing we need to prove to us that Putin is a terrible problem and NATO incredibly restrained is the fact Russia has been invading Ukraine for 8 years, yet NATO has done nothing about it but sanctions. If Putin is afraid let him stop committing war crimes.
It's not crazy. It's a different rationalization and philosophy due to their history. We can't understand the East. That's why Russia and China are always confusing to the West. They don't value the same things, they don't think of death and reality the same way.
Thank you Vlad. Only watching this now, 5 months into the war, and aching for the Ukrainian people. But your video gave same more insight and I will definitely be watching some more.
Excellent perspective. I have studied Russia and worked with Russians. I have read the great literature in Russian admired the culture and revered the great heroism of the victory over Nazi Germany. He is entirely right. Russia looks somewhat like us but is in fact entirely different in perspective values and formation.
The villagers welcomed napoleon in 1812. They knew they were slaves, and they wanted the enlightenment to come to them. People tend to forget this, because they are swamped by nationalistically framed narratives.
They have been fed an us v them narrative for centuries, which suited their tsarist rulers, who feared the spread of western ideas and modernisation of their economy, although the very same rulers were happily part and parcel of the alliance systems and dynastic-imperial wars and colonisation.
Great commentary on this situation Vlad. I came back to this video after seeing several more recent ones. I have to say, it’s so refreshing to hear from such a well-researched speaker clearly express so many difficult concepts in a very thought provoking way. Great content. I hope your following grows and the algorithm rewards more of this style of video. I think you’ve attracted far more people from your own age than you think (were not all young!). I also appreciate that even though you’re not responsible whatsoever in my mind, you chose to take some accountability regardless, and I think that speaks volumes about your character. Good luck to you.
I came here after watching your video with Dr. John Campbell. Thank you for expressing your view of Putin and how Russians are viewing this catastrophe. The Russian people have suffered under one horrible form of government after another for centuries, literally. And the country lost millions of people in WWII. I think your use of the word "trauma" is correct, and it's something we Americans probably can't even imagine. But Putin has his head stuck in the 20th century. This is the 21st century and cooperation among nations makes more sense than invading them, but apparently he thinks otherwise. It's so sad.
I think one point of comparison might be the Vietnam war. You guys still haven't processed it. It's as if you had a relationship and many years later are avoiding integrating it into you biography. Well Russia is closer to being like this in relation to all of its past! It's unprocessed.
Well, countries are made to wage war, one way or another, so technically, having those is invariably going to lead to war. But then again, the human nature, especially the co-dependent, childish side is always going to want to compete to prove itself, so the solution is how do we achieve that proving ground without having to wage war of one form or another. It's an interesting problem to solve for sure.
@@Deucely at least in the present age you avoid wars by being strong enough to prevent them, strong enough to defend your country, your countries borders and your countries people. People are in cloud cuckoo land if they think they prevent war by simply refusing to fight them or to defend themselves. Some time in the far distant future humanity may move beyond wars but that won't be achieved by letting the bullies run the show !
Thank you I really appreciate this. My speciality is of course big picture, not daily news commentary - but I feel so important for us to make sense of what's going on.
I’m almost 50 by the way lol. We could use our damn military to invade Iraq on dubious grounds but we can’t go help these poor people my heart breaks for Ukraine
I do hope you have a big celebration planned Kevin!! I'm worried about tonight and tomorrow - the Russians may be unleashing weapons and methods they have kept in reserve.
As a Slovak of the younger generation 1968 is still in our minds and still influences thoughts and views about Russia (at least on the part of the comprehensively thinking population) so i cannot imagine that even 100 years from now, Ukraine and its people will have forgotten or even forgiven for this...
I'm American, and I will never forgive Russia. I will always be somewhat prejudiced against Russian people until I know whether they supported the war.
Firstly, I thank you for some of that info. I have friends in both Russia an Ukraine. In fact, many other Eastern European countries of the former Soviet Union. I was a British English language consultant, in Kyiv one year; and Odessa three. I left March 31 2021; because of Putin even then. Exiting to Alanya Turkey; and it's beautiful Med Sea climate. Some people asked me many times; about why USA and Britain didn't enter the war until 1944. That's what the version of truth; USSR taught. I'm not going to insult your intelligence sir, as you are surely aware, that Germany surrendered to USA May 8; not May 9 to USSR. Mainly due, that for months, 24/7, British and USA bombers destroyed German infrastructure. Night and day. Softening up for easy transition from the East. Russia did not have a credible air force, which was a new way to win WW2. A MODERN WAR. Next I'll tell you about how afraid USSR were; when we defeated Argentina. TV was saturated with fear. (They told me this also.) Altho' initially making fun, which is the bragging, narcissistic, jealous, communist mentality. Unless a person is travelled and experienced this; they'd probably be unaware of it. Finally, I doubt the figures and anything the USSR said. Please look at the census figures, pre and post WW2; that Stalin manipulated. I don't believe they won WW2; either, as Germany were beaten by the weather. I found the nations I visited, particularly in St. Petersburg, paranoid neurotics; about the wind for example. Instilled by their idiotic ideology. Russian soldiers are poor fighters imo. Didn't fight outside their lands, except Berlin in WW2. Then there's their failure in Afghanistan; for example in the 1980s. Even now as I write this. Little Ukraine is giving them a hard time. Adolf Putin expected to trounce them in two days. I'd like to add that Russia attacking and raping civilians; and creating a humanitarian crisis. Attacking nuclear power stations. Demonstrates their lack of civilised behaviour. They have no regard for even their own people. (Please research the Stalingrad siege.) Anyone who watches and understands Russian; and it's TV channels will open up a world of this: Guns and killing in dramas. Senseless sado-masochism in dramas. Rape in dramas. Sexual power over anyone in dramas. Narcissism in TV shows. Insulated from the outside world. Music talent shows are full of elderly people with Botox. Lots of this sort of entertainment was indicative of Nazi Germany in the 30s. As for USSR and Russian soldiers, many similarities. I'll just highlight three. 1. Full of cowards. Who surrendered easily. 2. Peasants who stole toilets in Berlin. Transportation back to Russia. Left priceless paintings on walls. 3. Mass rape of up to two million women aged 8 to pensioner age octogenarian. Watched on my laughing Soviet army women. In East Berlin and East Germany peacetime by the way. In Ukraine I found a friendly people. Comedic nature. Politicians are young and vibrant and energetic. So are their TV shows. A person can say anything without fear of arrest. Russians are the opposite. Russian people generally speaking have no class. Have never invented anything worthwhile. Have been troublesome nuisances throughout history. Are seemingly boastful, narcissistic, jealous, cold hearted, robotic, soulless, boring people. No offence to you. It's just an opinion of what I discovered. Thanks and have a lovely day.
Carter I hope you are safe and well. It’s very heartbreaking. The intelligence leaks from Russia is that this is not going well. It’s a question how long the Ukrainians can hold: keep the situation horrendous but not catastrophic.
2 months later, I happened to listen to what you are saying and you are SO RIGHT, with every word you are saying.. Russians indeed are totally diferent people as we think they are... I myself had a russian friend and I loved him dearly. But, after this ugly war started, he showed me his trus colors. Unbelievable but true he showed me to be a totally diferent person all of the sudden.. He became hateful and sour about all the other countries in the west were he btw is living for many years a good and prosperous life!! However, all of the sudden he started to be hateful and a true admirer of that evil devil from Moscow. In the end I had to brake up with him because it was insupportable to see him glorious about all the destruction been done in the Ukrain.. I am still in shock how someone can support such a devilish personality like putin is. Very sad to see, how right you are also, how many lives are spilled (also on the russian side) in this unfair and totally insane war... May justice be served one day...
I'm sorry about your experience with your friend. I had the same thing arise with my US-born brother, married to a Russian woman, now a US citizen living in the US. He too, seems to be an admirer of Putin, and he even told me that the US and the West "better watch out" because the recent sinking of a Russian warship in the Black Sea - with some help/input from NATO countries "could lead to WW3". Well, WW3 started a few weeks ago. If it's nukes you're worried about, really - they almost surely have not been maintained any better than anything else over the past 30+ years when the USSR did it - will they even go off? They have to be maintained. Maybe I've got a different perspective, being a little older than my brother, as I remember having duck & cover drills in elementary school in preparation for nuclear war. I'm surprised it hasn't happened yet! I'd rather not go that way, but it seems less frightening now. Putin cannot keep the veiled threats up forever. At the same time, losing is unthinkable to him. He could go that way if there's no other way to win. However, the other oligarchs cannot make money in a world lain to nuclear waste - perhaps they'll put someone in more sane who NATO and other countries can and will negotiate with.
Your friend is just probably tired of western hypocrisy and wars.. since decades.. I am still waiting to see how Usa bombing countries for ressources and so .. is better than Russia attacking a place where Russians are not safe Lovely double standard and even worse
@@kosamsani9355 funny how you forget all US presidents for their wars.. and other Nato members. Are you that lame and hypocrite about wars ? Some can others not ?
I'm reminded of Tsar Nicholas's misadventure in WW1. He made that mistake and an enormous regime happened. In fact, it was one of the main reasons for the rise of the Soviet Union. I fear that Mother Russia is repeating herself.
Interesting comment. However I think it's tough to blame poor "Nicky" on everything. He was pushed into the deep end. The Germans were winning the war, Russian troop morale was at rock bottom, St Petersburg society was decadent, &..........that influence of witchcraft, aka Rasputin, should not be underestimated. Some political observers at the time expressed the view that Rasputin was ruling Russia, through his influence over Alexandra Feodorovna (?), because of his seeming ability to alleviate Alexei's haemophilia. Eliminating the Intelligensia was not exactly a clever move. At least Putin is not doing that! Neither is Putin influenced by witchcraft. He's far too prosaic for that. Despite his alignment with the Church, he is a non-spiritual person; I would say, atheist. He believes in himself, & Russia per se. No God. His actions & behaviour bear this out.
@@missasinenomine True, we shouldn't blame Nicholas for everything. It was as much the times he was in as it was himself. Not only that, but after the 1905 attempt at revolution, the later events were almost inevitable. As far as Putin is concerned, perhaps you know more about him. I only know what is portrayed, and we know that can't be fully trusted. No doubt, he's a "go getter." He even tried out for the KGB, only to find out it was them who select him. He's certainly better than our "let's go brandon" President Applesauce.
The difference is between what happened back then and today is that there were revolutionary figures like Lenin, Plekhanov, and Trotsky. Today’s Russia has no revolutionaries.
Thank you for an unsentimental and frank view of the current and unimaginably horrific circumstances in Ukraine. May peace with with them as soon as can be.🙏🏽🕊
Thank you so much for saying this. That's very kind. I do hope we can have interesting conversations. I will stay a bit more with Russia, and then resume the slightly more normal service on this channel - making sense of where we are as a culture.
It is really sad what is happening in Ukraine! Do you guys love propaganda? They even have civilian trainers to fight, yes that's interesting now. now many have died:( Are these civilians now civilians or warriors? I still remember the video when the "Ukrainian army" showed the civilians how to make and use Molotov cocktails, because they don't have enough weapons for all civilians. and now they say: **The Russians shot the poor civilians and then burned them.** And do you remember, he "had" to get rid of his political rivals, so they had to go to the front as well? But if they catch a Russian young soldier, then they shoot another war-prisoner in the legs (These videos have already been deleted?) so that the first one says whatever they want on camera! And... before the "special operation(Denazification)" of Russia in Ukraine... All the media said for years that Ukraine has a neo-Na-zi problem... and now they are described as "heroes"... "Heroes" for some the weapons industry, banks and etc... They are all not interested in people but only in power of any kind and whatever the cost. video on youtube!!!---->"Counting the cost of the US invasion of Iraq" The problem for the population is not that there are support Na-zis, but that they are losing to Russia??? I think I understand the logic??? hey:) look at-this!!! video on youtube!!!---->"What #Ukraine is HIDING from YOU - #сФилином" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russia 8% millitary strength ---- VS ---- Ukraine 100% millitary strength + 30'000 volunteers from the western world + support from all the West and Nato (endless money and latest military equipment help)... and pls China and India dont support the Russians + sanctions and agen sanctions and agen sanctions and agen... You all talk about war, but it hasn't even started yet Video on TH-cam--->Al Jazeera: Ukrainians using Ambulances to Transport Soldiers A question: If Zelensky would capitulation, would the "Asow" Kill him?
I'm just finding this video now, and two months later, you have been so right. Talking about national traumas and how they are handled is very helpful. You said that the Russians got therapy from a devil, if I am quoting you correctly. Can you elaborate on that? Thank you.
I have been listening to all of your presentations. Brilliant and insightful analysis of this dreadful situation. I can only hope that someone in Putin's inner circle will take him out before things escalate further.
Absolutely necessary discussion. Thank you! I hadn't quite found the term for the group think psychopathology. It's impossible to recognize any Mental trauma when everyone suffers from it, but once you understand it you'll find more empathy and yet vitriol for such behavior.
This is a fresh perspective for me, I just discovered the channel. You were accurate in February and you've been proven accurate until now (almost mid April). I also like the style of presentation. Thank you.
Alas, I have never been active or that interested in politics and don't have any connections with politicians but PLEASE someone SHARE this video with people who do!. I'm old enough to remember Cuban missile crises and this crisis is far more dangerous. I hope you find a way to influence both the media and government who in my opinion are badly in need of advice from people like you, for benefit of all of us.
Thank you Vlad. I truly value your analysis of everything I've seen of yours so far! You are one of my favourites on TH-cam. You've traveled around the world like me. I like seeing things through your perspective, if that's the right word.
Yeah Heather , i just found this guy. so insightful in messed times so just hope some people playing this game of death poker understated this but i'm not sure they do ;(
@@jimboweller3 With everybody and their dog having a view on this, we are going through a kind of liberalisation where you are encouraged to say anything you want on this crisis without knowing much or thinking through the consequences!
@@VladVexler Yes its the not thinking though the consequences that bothers me, I read a article that went though some war game theory and basically talked about the first nuke going off and the likely response of a second in retaliation, and then that from that point the most likely outcome was the end of civilization and its just stopped me in my tracks. Id lived in a world where this would never happen because the the first strike ended everything, id never considered the brinkmanship of letting off a few tactical ones its chilling. and i can see pushed into a corner Putin could do it. I hope some compromise and peace can be found with the whole NATO membership thing because this has become a bit stupid why does Ukraine need to keep open a possibility that is never going to happen, Putin needs to be given that but compromise on other issues so everyone can claim some kind of victory. Give Putin a symbolic victory but also know he destroyed his economy and ironically make sure that Kiev will always look to the West, Id say that Ukraine needs to be able to join the EU but agree not to join NATO. the longer this goes on the higher the tension as you say we need to try to stay calm I guess the logic is that when the war gets so painful for Putin he will be more likely to compromise. Its just hard to predict him and that's why what your saying is so interesting because i was trying to work that out.
Will watch your long form video. At 80 in London today I can understand why westerners such as myself might have illusions about Russia. In my early life Russia was the great Ally against Fascist Germany and the feelings from that lasted a long time. Then there is all the great Russian literature & immense amount of history I have read others have seen as documentaries. So it's understandable, I think. I did realise from the beginning Putin was and is bad news. And the nature of a Dictatorship state means people live by their fear or get destroyed. Worse for us not for Russia is the undermining of our States. It's like a cancer that needs to be immediately cut out & in this we, the West, failed.
IMnsHO, from living in the US, it appears that quite a bit of Russian propaganda is being put out by a few US shows which I hesitate to call news. There is a sizeable contingent who believes "alternative facts", and they do it with an almost religious-like fervor - running headlong into others who believe verifiable facts. I fear if this goes on much longer, the US is heading for a civil war, but one based on ideology rather than geography.
Hi! I am here after hearing your thoughts on Dr John's channel. Very interesting video. Like so many here, I pray for peace of all, hope the Ukraine keeps going and feel so sad at the losses that are being had.
I really appreciate this video, it's the first video I've watched from your channel but you have a very nice rational, logical and cultural view of what's happening. Also as a Software engineer I really really enjoyed its not a bug but a feature😂
3:00 i think a big part of the reason why we're not even "allowed" to think or talk about countries as actually being different and having different psychology (even the people within), is because of the whole "zero-tolerance of racism" thing. Where, literally anything you say that indicates ANY difference what so ever between ANY group of peoples, even if only labelled by nationality, is instantly judged to be racist. I mean for gods sake, you cant even say that Chinese people prefer rice over potatoes, thats "racist" somehow, as if enjoying rice somehow made a people worth less as human beings? Otherwise it wouldnt be racist, if it was percieved as a positive, right? i say this having lived in China and having chinese friends, whom i explained these "racist buzzwords" to, upon hearing them, such as the other classic one about "slanted eyes", they didnt even understand what was offensive about it. "Yes, our eyes generally are more almond shaped at an angle compared to flatter western round eyes, so what? Is that bad?" Upon where i responded "No, i think its gorgeous.", and of course then they replied "So why is that racist? Is it racist to say you have round eyes?" Which of course, it isnt. Because somewhere us westeners decided that round eyes cannot be offensive, why? The racism only exist within the white knights who try to find racism in anything they themselves have subconcious preconcieved judgements of, and this is my point. When we cant even discuss REAL completely neutral differences between people (which has ZERO negative connotations what so ever, whatever food you often eat or your eye shape), then how the hell are we supposed to have adult mature in depth discussions about what motives or drives a certain culture in geopolitical aspirations? We have to collectively grow up, and stop being "woke" to things that were never an issue to begin with. We're literally creating problems out of thin air for no reason other than to create false drama and stifle proper discourse.
Thank you for your insight. so many people think about everything from their point of view. Not the view from other people. Giving them that view is important for people to understand problems in society.
My method to decide, which youtuber is worth listen to, is watching their old videos. I watch this at the end of november 2022. And Mr. Vexler... time has proven you.
First time I visit your channel Vlad.Great video. Here in South America there has been a growing pro Putin feeling and sympathy among both left and right wing folks, quite concerning really, for the last 10 years or so. One of the many reasons for that is the influence of Russian propaganda through TV but also the penetration of the ideas that I see very few analysts talking about of a freaky thinker called Aleksander Dugin. His books are being translated into Portuguese. He has quite a following in Brazil and indirect penetration in Spanish speaking countries. Could you please help us understand the connection between Putin and this invasion as possibly carrying out the National Bolshevist Eurasian dream of Dugin?
Sure. For now, there is a new video on the channel about Russian propaganda. And a quick mention of Dugin on the second channel. Vlad Vexler clips. You can find it by clicking on the Dugin time stamp on the last q&a on that channel. I may do a longer breakdown of Dugin, who I think of as a pop ideologue. Thanks so much for your comment.
You are surely genuine, knowledgable and deeply sincere. You also communicate clearly and passionately. Your voice needs to be heard by as many "free world" people as possible.
This is an intelligent analysis, but lacks historical depth (probably I have not seen your other talks). What makes Ukraine different is that it was fought over for centuries by Swedes, Poles, Lithuanians, Cossacks and Tatars, all contesting Russia's domination. But it was a reservoir of slaves. The Khanate of Crimea trafficked slaves to the Ottoman Empire, and before that the Vikings originally founded Kiev as a slave trading station. So Ukraine does have a fundamentally different history to Russia, even if it is only since the break-up of the USSR that it has really been a state. The Kiev that is now the capital of independent Ukraine is a Soviet capital, and the whole political landscapte is post-Soviet. What is very striking is that the former Soviet proletariat and intelligentsia of the Russian-speaking cities (but not including Crimea, which is not really Ukrainian in any meaningful sense) are now prepared to risk their lives to stay Ukrainian. It is as if they are the real enemy. Mariupol has the neo-Nazi Azov soldiers fighting, but the Russians are destroying the whole city, because it is 90% Russian-speaking but the population don't want autocracy. They have tasted democracy. Moscow tasted democracy under Yeltsin and didn't like it. Ukraine proves that it is still possible in post-Soviet society.
Would love to hear from you about your thoughts on democracy that's been established in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc. since nato helped those nations. It would be great to have insight how did life improve in those countries since they become liberated. Thanks
I am planning to broader out to talking about Western democracy next. And then I might get to other countries. Because I am a philosopher and not a political scientist, my emphasis is always on broader patterns and I never research a topic. I feel that if I need to research a topic, I am not qualified to discuss it. These limitations aside, I will be moving beyond Russia soon.
Simple fact we've learned this week: Russia has never been a stable or reliable democracy. Our Democracies have given Russia way too much trust in advance after the fall of the SU. Germany and Italy have quickly proven to be compatible with Democracy after WWII. Somehow it was too comfortable for us to never confront Russian leadership with the atrocities under Stalin's regime or any other shit under communist rule. It was a just an alternative form of appeasement after the SU was gone. It failed.
I lived in a Russian Orthodox monastery for a while (too long) and trust me, I know how insane Russians are--I also attended Russian Orthodox parishes over the years. I'm really sorry that they're traumatised (this was a convent full of Russian emigres) but I have trauma from early life and I had to leave in order keep what little sanity I stilI have. I had Putin pegged back at the time of the Kursk disaster and said even back then that he was bad for Russia. Almost a quarter-century has not changed my mind. This makes me glad I'm old--I don't have to look forward to having Russiathreatenoing to nuke the West every time it doesn't get its way.
"Trauma, Fear, Passivity." PERFECTLY PUT. I saw this a month late. My loss. It is an extraordinary simple, eloquent explanation of how things are. This guy knows how to put things in perspective.
I am frustrated by the TH-cam policy of dating a video as "9 months ago". I don't understand why a video like this is not dated, say, 2/29/22. It's very aggravating. If TH-cam won't fix this...well, it would be helpful if the date were included in the "Pinned by Vlad Vexler" comment. (I hope that you are feeling better, Vlad. In your recent 12/20/22 Chat video, it appeared that the ME had slammed you hard.)
I would love to get your thoughts on my current line of thinking (which I've posted on another video): "With invasion of Ukraine we must constantly be careful not to be anti-russian. It may not seem like it, but the people of Russia (military and civilian) are our best chance out of this mess. Most do not want this war. External action against a nuclear power is dangerous. Change must come from within. And a priority for us must be do what we can to inspire and support this change"
I am so sorry have I missed your comment? I think this is very important for two reasons. I think Russians ARE politically responsible for this war, but not as straightforwardly as they would be in a democracy. A lot of Russians don't like this - but sadly most Russians are not following the war as it is. They are following the was as it's shown on federal TV. The second reasons we much separate them from the regime is that anti Russian hysteria just stops us thinking straight including about ourselves. That was one of the effects of Russiagate in the US. It stopped Americans looking at the domestic causes of democratic decline. Let me know your further thoughts!
@@VladVexler you didn't miss my comment, I had made it on a separate channel before finding yours, so no need to apologise. Agreed, for Russians it will be difficult to stay informed due to the Russian propaganda machine. It made me wonder what could be done to mitigate this. I was inspired today by the efforts of the Anonymous collective who appear to have managed to hack into Russian Federal TV broadcasts to show the truth of the situation. I think the Russian people are AWARE that something terrible is happening, but they most likely feel as though they cannot do anything about it. If they're to be effective, they'd need to be extremely organised I think. I've not heard much anti-russian sentiment which is promising, at least not directed to the people of Russia. Plenty of anti-Putin / Russian government sentiment. Though I imagine there are cases I've not seen. But the fact I've not seen it yet suggests it'd be a small minority. I just hope that continues.
I do agree heartily. Our hope going forward must be in the younger generation of Russians who do not watch the state media but find their news through the internet which is much harder for Putin to control. We can also hope that really severe sanctions will further encourage the people around Putin to find ways to dismantle his power.
@@VladVexler I'm in the US and believe many people who were Trump followers have taken a step back from him and Pompeo with their admiring comments of Putin's attack on Ukraine. Many are now finally connecting the dots and have stopped seeing the Democratic Party as the enemy. They are seeing links between Putin's regimes and what Trump was attempting to set up for himself. Though there is a Cul-like portion who will continue to support this Autocratic governing, they are a shrinking minority. Those fools don't know what they are asking for It's NOT the Russian People! God knows they have been held hostage to his propaganda for so long it will take some time for the leaking truth to reach them. I pray the people do come together and over throw him. If they can't or don't then the world leaders must take on that task. He's a very real danger to the lives of his citizens and people all over the world and would leave earth uninhabitable. Negotiations are pointless as Putin's lies mean nothing. He must be taken down. His regime arrested or dispersed as soon as possible. The situation will not get better left to Putin.
Ukraine still remembers the Great Famine (Holodomor) from 1932 to 1933 that killed millions of Ukrainians considered as a criminal act of Stalin's regime. Hungary still remembers the 1956 revolution crushed by the USSR's still Stalinist government. Poland remembers the Katyn massacre of nearly 22000 Polish military officers and intelligentsia carried out by the Soviet Union. Romania still remembers two decades of the totalitarian Ceausescu regime considered the most repressive in the Eastern Bloc at the time. Do you think Ukrainians will ever forget what Putin and the Russians did to them?
Vlad, your content is SO GOOD! SO USEFUL! It puts things together for those who try to understand RU vs UA. I say this as a Hungarian being 50 this year, having seen the fall of Ceausescu (and predicted it few weeks beforehand , winning a full crate of coca-cola from my diplomat Father, I am veery proud of that :) ), lived regime changes in E-Europe. I am a fan of taoism & geopolitics since early teenage. Studied some. Your Holistic, whole-istic approach is The Way, like opening the doors and rooms to each other to see the whole space and beyond. Thank you for this one and all! Wish you best ideas and higher intuition, inspiration for your works! Gratefully, Tamas
In 60 AD Apostle Saint Andrew traveled to the area of Kiev, preached, and said, one day a great city would be built here with many churches to the glory of God. Today there is a church to Saint Andrew in Kiev. The peoples in the area were Slavic. Kyi, Shchek and Khoryv, three brothers and the sister Lybid founded Kiev in 482 AD, Kiev was named after the older brother Kyi. Kiev the older brother was King. Herodotus wrote that Hercules had founded this land. The Rus were Viking tribes that settled peacefully in Kiev as far back as 750 AD with the Slavs there, 400 years before Moskva existed. The name Russia, coming from the city Moskva, has no connection to the RUS. Russia coming from Moskva started with Batu Kahn much later as a vasal under Mongolian rule. All the early Czars were Mongolian and of no connection to the RUS. The Rus were with the Slavs to the south in Kiev. Moskva were Finnish Urgic Tribes; Mosk means cow and Va water, which are Finnish names. There was no RUS there. The ethnic background of Moskva is Finnish-Urgic and Mongolian. The Rus developed the religion, city Kiev, alphabet, churches, and had its saints. The founder of Kievian Rus (800) or the Rus was a Viking named Askold or Oskold (Norse) from Sweden; not Oleg as in the Russian story. Kievian Rus exists long Before Novgorod and Oleg’s arrival there. Askold is the Slavic name. Oskold, the first King of Kievian Rus was in Kiev before Oleg in Novgorod. Oskold had 200 ships and 20,000 warriors. Oskold was baptized in Constantinople (128 years before Volodymyr) and sent the first bishop back to Kiev. Oskold and Dir were the first Dynasty of Kievian Rus. Askold rules from the 40-60s and Dir to the 80s. Askold is buried in Kiev and the first Kievian Christian King & Dynasty. Oleg followed coming from Sweden through Novgorod and was a pagan. Russia as named today started in the city of Moskva over 400 years later after Kievian Rus or Rus. From Kiev, the capitol of Rus, Kievian culture was spread, much like the Greeks Hellenized the known world, or like the British anglicized the world by the English language. This process does not make Moskva to become RUS in as much as Persian are not Greek. How we are misled by a name; Russia. The capitol of the RUS has always been Kiev. There is no other RUS and no RUS in Moskva. Many say Ukraine began recently; but the culture of the RUS is Kievian RUS, both culture and ethnic background. Ukraine is a name given by Poland meaning outer lands. The land of the RUS before the Mongolian invasion was very large. The name RUS is a Norse name which means men that row; there are no men that row in Moskva. So Moskva adopted the name Russia while being a Mongolian vassal, essentially traitor to the RUS; and all the Czars were Mongolian-Finnish. The Culture of the Mongolian was centralized power, and that cultural imprint was passed on to present day Russia. Ukraine’s real name should be Kievian RUS, or Kievskarus! Russia began in Moskva by Batu Kahn and Novgorod conquered much later, still no connection to the Rus. Putin & Lavrov should be ashamed of themselves, the USSR was an occupation; it never had the status of a sovereign state and due process of law that would be associated with a free society. Even today the mentality of the gulag exists. There is no freedom of press and speech, people are arrested for speech, there is no due process of law, and the religion is state run making it totalitarian theocracy. As such, it did not deserve to exist in a free world; and history has shown such totalitarian organizations fail over time and author in many gulags. The true culture of Russia is Finno-Ugric and Mongolian, having nothing to do with the RUS (Kievian), expect borrowed as in the sense of Hellenized or Anglicized "forms" as a comparative reference. The centralized form of Russian politics is a very Mongolian imprint on culture. The actions of Putin seem to be another Mongolian invasion of Kiev; here I suggest as to the correct metaphor. I believe so. Putin & Lavrov insistence to have purview over eastern Europe also seems like paying tribute to the Mongolian Horde. Moskva started as an agglomeration of Finnish tribes, combining a Finnish name meaning cows water and developed by Mongolian culture. Mosk means cow and Va means water. The RUS are men that row, Vikings, Norse, established Kiev 400 years before (750 AD) Moskva even thought to exist. The name Russia for current nation is totally inappropriate. The current Russia started in Moskva; how misleading is the name Russia coming from Moskva that has no connection to the RUS. All the lands should be returned to Kiev; the West of Russia to Finland, and the East to Mongolia. Russia’s place on the globe appears as a temporary aberration in my view. To use threats of Nukes publicly strikes at the heart as adolescent behaviour; surely any nation or person that issues such threats and being an ally to such while not even having war imposed on them is not fit to rule. This would include allies of Russia. Oh yes, I remember, Russia didn't invent the bomb, they stole it in the 1940's and gave it to Kurchatov. Russia struggles with an identity crisis since its beginnings unoriginal to the ethnic groups. Its errors are numerous, 50 million killed by Stalin in WW2, allied to the Nazis to kill the Poles for their defeat in WW2, Holodomor where millions of Ukrainians were killed and grain stolen, and constant antagonist with Europe. We even have the Holy Mother announcing Russia’s errors at Fatima. Russia is a Mongolian culture and all the first Czars were Mongolian and Batu Kahn is the author. Oskold was the grandson of Ragnar the king of Sweden, his name is old Norse and spoke old Norse, the name Rus is old Norse, he settled peacefully in Kiev and the Slavs made him king, he brought Christianity to Kiev with his son dir...his burial mound is where St Nicholas church is built, Oleg wasn’t even in Novgorod when this happened, and Oleg is not a Rus nor old Norse name. The Slavs called Oskold the name Askold. After came Dir, Oleg was a pagan who assassinated Dir, Oskold becomes the first dynasty...later when the line of kings get to Vladimir, he is captured at a trading post by the Mongols, the post is called Moskva, and the king killed. Moskva as a city was a Mongolian invention, and Novgorod becomes a part of that Russia by conquest, although having nothing to do with the Rus. Oskold line is Ragnar, ironside, Oskold from the King of Sweden Ragnar. Oleg is via Rurik coming much later. The accounts of Oskold are within the time, Al Mamun an Arab writer of the time wrote of Oskold, the Russian chronicles come hundreds of years later. In much the same way accounts of relevant history are better understood by those of the times, much like the Bible, dating to the original times makes the account authentic. The Russian chronicles are merely a tale and inaccurate.
First of all, you don't look anywhere near 40. Second, thanks for these videos. Third, I miss the good old days when we could have just talked metaphysically about Nietzsche and Peterson :(
Forty isn't old. I have kitchen appliances that are forty years old. Seven months later, and things have not gone as expected. The towering historic figure to emerge from this Russia-Ukraine war is Zelensky, not Putin. So, you're not psychic. No worries. Where you go wrong is, in that war is a time of rapid social change. The disruptions of the wartime economy, the transport of soldiers far from home, the deaths; at the end all the kings horses and all the kings men, couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again. Russia is looking less like the power that threatens humanity, and more like the crazy old aunt, bitter about being jilted by a soldier in 1945.
I lived in Russia for a while. I dated a girl there who was embarrassed by her country, its foreign policy, and the occupation of Crimea. I dated another who, upon hearing anyone talk soberly and factually about Russian occupation of Eastern Ukraine would get very angry and emotional and start spewing silly propaganda about how mistreated the Russian people there were. There's a range. Like most places. I mean, hell, in the United States today there are large numbers of people who legitimately believe that Hillary Clinton drinks the blood of sacrificed children, or that Donald Trump was a competent president. Can't get much crazier than that.
Vlad great video I feel you’re very in touch with the reality of why this is taking place. I was really impressed with this analysis, the historical inheritance you referenced is something engrained in a peoples psyche. Particularly that of the Russians. Your voice is much needed and I hope more people see this my friend, I’m glad I found your channel
Excellent comment. Russia is entirely different from the West in perspective formative influences and engrained beliefs. As a simple distinction, in Russia throughout its history everything is forbidden by the State unless expressly permitted. The State owns and controls all property and all citizens. In the West, everything is permitted unless expressly prohibited and the extent of State authority is defined and circumscribed by law. There are other contrasts but this is one of the founding principles of Russian society regardless of regime.
Historical mistake, YES ! But, what for is he doing that? Acquiring (having access to lots of land and oceanic ressources; elimination of Ukrainians; etc) a new territory. Maybe. However, i wonder what does he want to offer to his russia citizens ? What kind of society does he want to build? I just don't get it. Russia is the largest country in the world. Not big enough?
Very interesting Vlad, you said this at the start of the war and not now nearly 8 weeks in. The war is more horrific than you anticipated, but well understood by your good self.
Yes that's true - and we can't assume we have seen the worst of it yet. Mariupol will be unimaginable once we see it. Plus Putin is capable of deploying bigger weapons on civilians.
good job Vlad. Your analysis is spot on. Maybe my perception is wrong but it seems that the oligarchs are not putting enough pressure to end this shit. What's your view on this? How the oligarchs are important for the inner circle? When are they going to say: enough is enough?
Thanks so much. So, there are no oligarchs in Russia and that has been the case for many years. That's because their money is utterly at the whims of the regime - it might be fair to say it's not even theirs. A couple of uttered minor noise against the war. Not one has taken any visible action. The only pressure points are twofold: (1) Mass public protest (2) Pressure from inside the clans around Putin. They are whispering behind his back and planning for a future without him - but they are not directly motivated to end the war. Think of them as big cats contemplating a time to pounce - knowing it may take a long while,. Does that help at all? Sorry it's such a tragic mess. Very sad for Russian young people especially.
@@VladVexler perhaps the west should do something similar to Russia. Nationalize the Russian asset abroad rather than freeze it? Why those oligarchs and their kids aren't sent home?
NATO and America pushed this! How odd the Neo Nazi History or Ukraine is ignored here? 🤔 As for describing the current situation of Britain and America … We all appear to be under the spell of Uncle Klaus?
I believe that Putin is feeling deep regret for initiating this disaster. He'll never verbalize it but I believe it's true. He's put the future of his reign in serious jeopardy and I'm sure he knows it. God knows what he may do as his authority grows weaker.
@@ddobry21 We will never know. We cannot look into his thoughts and feelings. All I know is, noone should culminate so much power in one Person. Less checks and balances. And he could easily end all our lives. How is this even possible.
@@awpetersen5909 I know right? It's scary. The possibility for things to go way south is very much there. I don't imagine it's been this uncertain since the Cuban missile crisis.
Gorbachev was deep in his heart a visionary: he saw the future of the world as Democratic He felt that the huge land mass of Russia would be an integral leading part of the world .He was a man of peace .Putin is an opportunist without really military knowledge or experience and could make himself somebody only by destroying the work of his predecessor !
I have heard it said that the oligarchs of Russia have the ability to pressure Putin to do what they want. And that if sanctions from the West succeed in putting those oligarchs in a lot of pain, they might be able to force Putin to end the war. Do you think that is realistic, or just a fool's hope?
This is completely unrealistic, but there are two reasons for it anyway. (1) taking an ethical stance (2) minimising corruption - Russian money is trying to buy Western politics fairly regularly and a modest but non-trivial level of success. Sadly Putin is on an historic mission here, as well as being persuaded that taking Ukraine gives him safety to stay in power longer. He is even prepared to take a big dip in the polls if necessary.
Thanks for the reply! If you have time to answer, what do you think of Germany changing its stance in regard to Russia in the last few days: halting certification of Nordstream 2, agreeing to cut off Russian Banks from the SWIFT payment network, openly supplying weapons to Ukraine and allowing other nations to supply German-made weapons, announcing construction of two additional facilities for processing Liquified Natural Gas (presumably from the USA or other nations, thus reducing dependance on Russian gas moving forward), and radically increasing spending on their military. All of these things are reversals of German policy, and many observers did not think Germany would do any of them. Since Germany is one of Russia's biggest customers for gas, do you think these moves by Germany will have any serious impact on Putin, or on others in the Russian government?
Dear Vlad. How can you prove to me you are authentic and not some plant of a Western intelligence agency or something similar? I'm not saying you are one but these are institutions I don't trust that can operate with some sophistication. Maybe I'm joking. But maybe I'm not.
Thank you Vlad. My message for both sides of the story and all people on the world. This is just as true today as it was in 1984: "A nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought" - Ronald Reagan. #NoFirstUse of Nuclear Weapons. Как сказал президент Рональд У. Рейган в апреле 1984 года, «в ядерной войне победить невозможно, поэтому вести ее нельзя ни в коем случае».
To prevent nuclear war, people must listen and be able to make compromises. But last decades clearly showed this is not the case as the west showed no respect for Russia's red lines and got into a new Cuban Missile Crisis, 2.0. I would suggest watching Gleen Greenwald's video called The War in Ukraine, he's an unbiased journalist providing plenty of interesting points.
@@VladK-1 I agree we must start listening to each other again. I am full aware of Russia's security concerns regarding the the West (EU / NATO) moving closer to her borders. I don't understand why we can't agree on a neutral belt between EU / NATO and Russia like we have with Finland for example. Now it escalated to a phase where trust between big powers is completely gone. The west believes Russia wants to move back to the USSR again. Either way, we live in uncertain times and I hope we can de-escalate as soon as possible. We, as a world and as humanity, have enough challenges already. Peace to our children, not nukes.
@@rodgerb2645 God Bless. An interesting fact, in Russia there is a famous politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky who have predicted practically everything (Ukraine with neo-nazi/Bandera followers becoming popular ideology there, Crimea getting back to Russia, NATO expansion, Nagorno-Karabakh war, Chechnya war, Abkhazia and Georgia issues, and so on!) in 1991 (!!!) during the very first Russian president debates. Most people laughed him off "you can't be serious" for decades as he was getting only more desperate whenever Russian Duma voted wrong (in his opinion). But he's just a true patriot... He never got more than 6% in the presidential election results (balloted many times as he's LDPR party leader) and he always said "I will not lose, it will be Russian people who lose, sadly". Quite a personality! His point of view was always that NATO wants Russia destroyed-divided into many small parts, and conquered. He predicted that NATO will expand and never step back, only forward...and fight many proxy wars against Russia on its borders. Just wow! Now many Russians are realizing he was right all the time. He's still alive though struggling with a heavy disease in a hospital now (possibly COVID-related). The interesting fact is that in December 2021 he spoiled the fact that 2022 will be not a peaceful year and something will happen in late February (he told an exact date and time but was a few days wrong). He was spot on but nobody noticed! If you wonder here is his famous 1991 debates video but unfortunately, it has no English subtitles th-cam.com/video/YuwXw-9-t9s/w-d-xo.html
True. But be careful when you pick on the little guy whom happens to have American friends with American interests. They break army's and ruin credit scores.
We cannot discredit anybody except putin. His kind of thinking has written horrible history for Russia for hundreds of years. All saber rattling will be answered🙏
Introduce your self firstly, who you are, what is your expertise, before you have a social platform. What you saying is nothing new, believe me, my brother.
Any analysis which begins with the belittling of other analysis is a huge red flag. Still, I listened. And, there's no insight of substance here. There just isn't. Most of it was waffle, inoffensive waffle but waffle all the same.
The Russia that you foresee recognizing Ukraine half a century from now is not going to be the Russia that exists now in terms of territory or ethnicity. Russia is dying out, and the dominant political class in Russia is 100% to blame for it.
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Take a look at the Gas & Oil reserves that were proven to exist by 2012, and compare that to the areas invaded by Putin.
What else do you need to know?
@@johnwolf2829 Could you direct us to some source on this please?
@@markoslavicek I tried to post a direct link but the post was removed.
Just look around, even google should be able to show you the map.
1% of Russians are crazy...which would include Putin & his cronies
@@juliereminiec4937 Oh, I'd say that they are ALL at least a little crazy.
Putin and his crew, however.... psychopaths, each and every one of them.
You had me at, 'the Russian government represses its citizens pointillistically'.
Brilliant analysis. You should have a lot more subscribers.
Thank you!
And what exactly does pointillistically mean
@@valthomsen2724, it means that the regime doesn't repress every sign of opposition. It picks out a few citizens that serve as examples, to intimidate the others.
@@peterdumarchievanvoorthuys4509 Thank you for the definition. Makes perfect sense.
I’ve been suffering from anxiety since the start of the crisis and I have to say that your analysis is some of the most grounded and rational that I’ve seen.
Thank you - this video is a few weeks behind the times now
Totally Agree. ..
He's not grounded. He's just another "well ignore everything preceding the Russian attack" analyst. Where is his analysis of the Western leaders that threw countless countries in destruction? Where is his analysis of the western oligarchs that pushed the entire world into lockdown? And how will those people be remembered?
@Bojan Koturanovic notice how he said we're having a conversation even though we can't talk back to him not in real-time anyway. Hearing other people's opinions is a good and valuable thing even if you disagree with them as it provokes critical thought. In wartime situation the first victim is always the truth and if you apply the scientific method to everything you learn which I do and all and other should then you will know from using scientific methodology that there are no definitive answers only increasing levels of understanding Endeavour deepening questions. In event the only things that I'm sure of in this world are my daughter's love for me and I her.
I suggest if you want to make contribution helpful to yourself and others don't use whataboutism is it only present the impression of one that is reinforcing their own cognitive biases
😂
This is by far the best, most honest and realistic analysis I've heard so far, and I'm listening a month late.
Thomas thank you!
Realistic???? I have never heard so much bias. Russian people are crazy??. The Russian people didn't galvanize around Putin until the asinine sanctions came into play. This dude should be writing fiction novels
100%
Feeding the westly narrativ
Ukraine . A nazi dictatorship. Who have been killing it's own people in Donbass for 8 years . Killing 14000 people.
Se «Ukraine: On patrol with the far-right National Militia - BBC Newsnight» på TH-cam
th-cam.com/video/hE6b4ao8gAQ/w-d-xo.html
I was so wrong when I thought he’d use potential invasion as a negotiation tool . He is much worse than what I thought . His name will be synonym of madness and blood forever.
I estimated the odds of a full scale invasion as unlikely. I was wrong. But the formula that threat of war is the main Russian diplomatic tool this decade remains.
It’s a hostage and gunner situation
@@evequeseance652 Typically yes indeed.What I found absolutely revolting is that Putin entertains the idea of fake negotiations while still bombing civilians, just to gain time.
@@VladVexler His threat of invasion didn't illicit the desired response (capitulation/respect), so he followed through on his threat.
@@VladVexler I wonder why he is doing it in 2022, why not earlier?
There seems to be a streak of paranoia running through Russians and their leaders since time immemorial. This is typified by the Russian story of a peasant in the countryside. A stranger passes by and asks for shelter for the night. The peasant agrees to put the stranger up for the night. He cooks a meal, and they have a lovely evening with plenty of vodka drunk, and go to bed the best of friends. The peasant wakes up in the middle of the night and thinks, "who is this person ? Why did he come upon my house in the middle of the country ? He must be a robber, and will kill me and rob me and then make his escape" So he gets his gun and shoots the sleeping stranger. He then finds the strangers wallet and personal effects, and learns that the stranger is a priest. So he shoots himself.
What?! Where did you hear this story? Also, do you think like 200 years ago there was no paranoia in the western countries, everybody lived in perfect peace? I'll remind you that half of Europe saw dictatorships throughout the 20th century, you think people weren't paranoid in Franco's Spain? Ceaușescu's Romania? etc etc. So ask yourself why you're trying to create a mythological image of "the wild Russian".
@@vilaiupov7740 Because Russia has been like this for over 500 years.
The Mongols, and their regional successor the Golden Horde, brutalized and oppressed the Rus for around 250 years and it has left old and very deep scars.
In case you aren't interested in Slavic history, the US has existed for a comparable time and so much has happened in those two centuries. Imagine all the fucked up shit that the Golden Horde inflicted during that time period.
@@vilaiupov7740 Ahhhh, whataboutism
@@marw9541 Eh well, kinda, yeah, but i wasn't even trying to respond with a counter-argument because the claim itself is ridiculous. How can you seriously argue for smth like "nation N has always been crazy" if you consider yourself educated. But just so you know, for instance the newly established Soviet government was one of the first on the planet to give women right to vote and to decriminalize homosexuality.
@@vilaiupov7740 I completely agree, it was an interesting story though.
Vlad, my sister was invited to teach a course in expediting in Russia in the early 2000's. She was greeted with derision by the male attendees, who reduced her to tears with their sneering arrogance. She was given no warning that the male mentality in Russia is generally 70 years behind the modern world.
That is fantastic!!
True of all corrupt 3rd world countries
So, instead of learning they prefered belittling. I'm sorry for your sister but even more for those Russians.
Humanity is corrupted by fundamentalist religion, which is really fundamentalist masculinity.
The US too has this huge problem.
What is "expediting"?
And your reference to Russia being 70 years behind the modern world suggests an unwarranted ethnocentric bias in that it implies all countries should share the same universal cultural norms and develop at the same rate and that by not abiding by these cultural norms or developing in a way the West thinks they should they are in some way inferior, failed states.
3:05 excellent analysis brother, absolutely critical and accurate. Psychological trauma transcends generations. We on the west are very fortunate, and when that turns into arrogance and lack of tolerance, fascism rises. Excellent video keep up brother.
Thank you Vlad for your informative videos. I am Ukrainian background, 2nd generation in Canada. I am fully aware of Ukraine's history and the collective generational traumas as well. It has been heartbreaking watching Ukraine and her people being slaughtered because of one man's delusions and vendettas he is acting out upon. All we can hope is that there is an end to this soon; that accountability and responsibility is applied to Putin and those who are committing these inhuman acts of violence as well as those who refuse to get involved to stop the genocide. Although nothing will ever come close to atonement for this, there is a small hope that history will not repeat this a third time if enough of the world wakes up and stops/prevents these types of monsters from getting into power. 🙏
I discovered your wonderful channel yesterday through Dr. John Campbell with whom you had an interview about Putin. It was a great interview! I feel sad about the low subscription numbers, though hopefully let's change that. BTW, my parents both spoke Russian fluently in the house I grew up in Canada. They were Armenians who lived most of their lives in Soviet Armenia. I picked up a lot of the Russian language just by listening and talking to my parents then decided to formally study it. Oh what a beautiful and complex language it is. I even picked up the perfect accent. You'd never know I'm not Russian. Anyways, I don't know why I wanted to share this with you. But you know what else I'm gonna share? Your videos.
Andrew that is a remarkable childhood! Do you read Russian too? Thank you so much for your kind words about the channel. And welcome!
@@VladVexler Oh yes! I love reading Russian. I was an English major at university and whenever we studied Russian authors, I always managed to get my hands on an original Russian text. My parents already had a huge Russian library. Though I can't read it very fast.
Poor Russia! Lenin, Stalin and now Putin|! what an unholy trinity! What a lucid and cool analysis of Putin's Russia.
It's painful isn't it!! An immensely rich culture, but very troubled.
Sure seems like Putin is just Stalin all over again, a mad, butchering dictator
@@VladVexler , not that rich of a culture - most of it came from outside.
I'm older than you. You are the generation of my children. I have grandchildren ranging from school age to young adults. One man should not be allowed to have the capability to destroy their lives or the world we leave for them.I was seven when my grandmother had a bomb shelter built in the basement. I remember the cold war pretty well. I'm terrified for what the world will be like as the ending of this war comes to a close.
My greatest fear is that Putin will not give up under any circumstances he chooses. He will only stop if his people can see the truth of the war and revolt or if an outside agent takes him out.
I don't see him ever complying with any agreement he claims. What he says means nothing. Lying is what he does. And he will keep up the war until he wins (which is unlikely to happen as the Ukrainians will not give up and the west will not allow them to be annihilated.) In other words Putin will continue until he dies..
I'm scared that he will use those damn nuclear weapons if he feels he is left without any options. He would be willing to sacrifice his Country and his life if it happens in war with the west especially. particularly holding the US at fault in his warped mind. Just take him out and save countless lives and liveable areas in our planet.
I like how you framed this in terms of historical trauma. I find it difficult to understand why most people don’t take this macro-worldview when it makes the most sense as a start when looking at all conflicts both internal and external.
It's an important angle. Just like humans can get sick, so can societies.
Aside from trauma, the Russian people haven't known freedom ever.
@@VladVexler Yes. I think that Russia has been sick for centuries.
Traumatized by generations of psychopath leaders.
Both their own and those of some of their neighbours.
This analysis of the beginning of the war is still very valid through the month December!
This video must get bigger spread and known for!
I live in EU, but this was once a part of Yugoslavia. I was a teenager when the war happened here. Luckily, we had only a very short one, but parts of my family were fleeing other parts of former Yugoslavia and I do remember driving to Belgrade to help them and bring them food and money after they escaped with their lives only. And I remember the bombs and trauma that all that happened left in people. The trauma is still here, over 30 years later in every part of the former common country. More trauma, the more east and south you go. And we watched Kosovo happen. It is almost impossible for most of my western friends to comprehend and understand so many things about all of this. Most people can look only from the western perspective of the experiences that shaped their mind and their reality so far. It is almost as they lack or miss a dimension required to comprehend the complexity with almost infinite layers of reality, stacked one upon another.
When I watched preparation for the things unfolding now, even I underestimated the scope. I was thinking, he will go for Donbas, take out with missiles all key strategic and military places within Ukraine, but never was I expecting him to actually invade the rest of the Ukraine on foot. Russian economy the size of approximately Spain or Italy, can't take the insane sanctions imposed and when sons increasingly come back dead, that would sure wake up indifferent citizens.
I can see the layers you are presenting in your last 2 videos but my question to you is, what do you think about possible alternative futures for the world and Europe as this scenario unfolds? What are most possible outcomes and timelines for that? Do you see this dragging on for the next year, two or is this new reality of Russian nuclear threat something EU will have to live with until death of Putin or perhaps even longer? How will this impact people and economy across the globe? I have my own ideas but I would love to hear your thoughts on this in the next episode maybe?
Thank you for sharing your insight.
Tell the Serbs to remember their nation's genocide in Bosnia. Until they show contrition they will not have forgiveness.
The Serb government chose to pursue "ethnic cleansing", there was a series of wars, massacres and the NATO intervention was a long overdue last resort after every other option failed.
Sometimes the truth hurts but blame the war criminal Slobodan Milosović for the sorrow and shame he brought to his people.
Thank you for your comment! And for your patience! I will be responding to you in the next Q&A on the second channel, Vlad Vexler Clips. I will try to find this comments and drop you a time code. If I don’t manage, just look out for the next Q&A on the clips channel!
@@RobBCactive ,you are western cowboy hypocrite liar , who killed almost all Indian peoples, and stolled Kosovo and' ethnich cleansing' of Serbs
Just like psychotic abusive parents...the children grow up to be abusers from the trauma. That is what was created by the USSR. Many nations behind the Iron Curtain, produced heinous puppet dictators, and a sociopathic society among the surviving population. Many just trying to survive. Many are just animals not civilized human beings. Suppressed hatred, bigotry, racism, resentment, and turf wars.
@@wngimageanddesign9546 Hey, Yugoslavia was NOT a USSR creation, the British backed partisans and gradually favoured the communist ones BECAUSE they fought the Nazis hard.
Yugoslavia drove the Nazis out without Russian forces, rather than having a Stalinist regime imposed on them.
Soon they broke with Moscow and made reforms to moderate communism. This may have been allowed by Churchill's infamous napkin which put Greece 100% in W. allies influence and Yugoslavia 50%, while other unreachable countries in E.Europe inevitably would fall under USSR domination.
Even the USA had strong left wing labor movements and post-war settlements reduced inequalities with social-democracies.
Not so long ago governments were expected to deliver for their citizens.
Vlad, I only discovered your videos a few days ago. You have kept me glued to every word because you intelligently and insightfully explain what is essentially an alien environment. I only found this video today and when I saw it had been posted on the 25th before most of what is now well known had unfolded, you predicted exactly what has happened. It's giving me chills. Thank you for posting this content. Western leaders need to listen to you.
I will challenge your argument a bit... You start off with "Russians are more crazy" which isn't true. It's fun to say in jest but that's about it. Empircally they are no crazier than anyone else. Every culture has had its genocidal moment sadly! You say the two main motivations for Putin are individual/psychological but wars are fought for socioeconomic or geostrategic reasons mostly. Without mention of trade wars, nordstream 2, NATO expansion as an energy cabal or just the greater geopolitical context this "boogey man" explaination lacks substance. Russia is undoubtedly authoritarian and has yet to heal the mental wounds inflicted under stalin but that doesn't mean geopolitical threats dont exist from RUSSIAS standpoint. Youre probably are right about him worrying about his safety if he vacates the office, and if the west subverts the duma gets a puppet russian regime and that's what's scary about this situation...not that he cares about a legacy but that he fears for his life; and may use nukes to save it and ironically end it. Even though China would never allow NATO into Russia... But I actually think it's more about money and that nordstream pipeline, and definitely some inner circle stuff between Ukraine and Russia we don't even understand Even Chomsky admits that NATO exists now only to run an energy racket as the threat of "Russian hordes" are a fraction of what it was when it originated. Anyways it's far more complex than "Putin has a dream"
Hey Nate, hope you are going OK. All of that is valid and part of the picture, but it's what most people already know. I'm speaking to a Western audience soaked in cartoonish pictures of of the Kremlin. When I say crazy, I don't mean that literally. What I do mean is that it takes thought and self extraction to put yourself in the place Putin. Most of time, when it comes to making sense of a regime like this, our brains stop working. In so far as this is true of our leaders, this is dangerous.
There is an historical legacy dimension to the Ukr war. There is also a huge geopolitical dimension - I discuss this more in my previous video. Ukr is part of Russia's sphere of influence in Putin's view. Not recognising that, on his view, seeds global risk and instability.
There is also a logic of escalation playing out due to the specific dynamics in the Kremlin.
TBC! Please keep well and thanks for reacting!!
Sorry, the only thing we need to prove to us that Putin is a terrible problem and NATO incredibly restrained is the fact Russia has been invading Ukraine for 8 years, yet NATO has done nothing about it but sanctions. If Putin is afraid let him stop committing war crimes.
It's not crazy. It's a different rationalization and philosophy due to their history. We can't understand the East. That's why Russia and China are always confusing to the West. They don't value the same things, they don't think of death and reality the same way.
Putin doesn’t need “hordes”, he has nukes;(
Most wars are fought because of the psychological perceptions of one or at most a small cabal of autocrats. Without them causus belli evaporates.
Thank you Vlad. Only watching this now, 5 months into the war, and aching for the Ukrainian people. But your video gave same more insight and I will definitely be watching some more.
Excellent perspective. I have studied Russia and worked with Russians. I have read the great literature in Russian admired the culture and revered the great heroism of the victory over Nazi Germany. He is entirely right. Russia looks somewhat like us but is in fact entirely different in perspective values and formation.
The villagers welcomed napoleon in 1812. They knew they were slaves, and they wanted the enlightenment to come to them. People tend to forget this, because they are swamped by nationalistically framed narratives.
They have been fed an us v them narrative for centuries, which suited their tsarist rulers, who feared the spread of western ideas and modernisation of their economy, although the very same rulers were happily part and parcel of the alliance systems and dynastic-imperial wars and colonisation.
My God. I am so sad for Ukrainians as well as Russians.
Lots of futures cut off for young people. In both countries.
Great commentary on this situation Vlad. I came back to this video after seeing several more recent ones. I have to say, it’s so refreshing to hear from such a well-researched speaker clearly express so many difficult concepts in a very thought provoking way. Great content. I hope your following grows and the algorithm rewards more of this style of video. I think you’ve attracted far more people from your own age than you think (were not all young!). I also appreciate that even though you’re not responsible whatsoever in my mind, you chose to take some accountability regardless, and I think that speaks volumes about your character. Good luck to you.
I came here after watching your video with Dr. John Campbell. Thank you for expressing your view of Putin and how Russians are viewing this catastrophe.
The Russian people have suffered under one horrible form of government after another for centuries, literally. And the country lost millions of people in WWII. I think your use of the word "trauma" is correct, and it's something we Americans probably can't even imagine. But Putin has his head stuck in the 20th century. This is the 21st century and cooperation among nations makes more sense than invading them, but apparently he thinks otherwise. It's so sad.
I think one point of comparison might be the Vietnam war. You guys still haven't processed it. It's as if you had a relationship and many years later are avoiding integrating it into you biography. Well Russia is closer to being like this in relation to all of its past! It's unprocessed.
Black Americans don't have trouble imagining this kind of trauma.
@@waltonsmith7210 Very true. Native Americans as well.
Well, countries are made to wage war, one way or another, so technically, having those is invariably going to lead to war. But then again, the human nature, especially the co-dependent, childish side is always going to want to compete to prove itself, so the solution is how do we achieve that proving ground without having to wage war of one form or another. It's an interesting problem to solve for sure.
@@Deucely at least in the present age you avoid wars by being strong enough to prevent them, strong enough to defend your country, your countries borders and your countries people. People are in cloud cuckoo land if they think they prevent war by simply refusing to fight them or to defend themselves. Some time in the far distant future humanity may move beyond wars but that won't be achieved by letting the bullies run the show !
If i grew up in Russia i would of got out of there as fast as i could.
So glad to see your views on this conflict or war now, it's so much more meaningful than other sources
Thank you I really appreciate this. My speciality is of course big picture, not daily news commentary - but I feel so important for us to make sense of what's going on.
I’m almost 50 by the way lol. We could use our damn military to invade Iraq on dubious grounds but we can’t go help these poor people my heart breaks for Ukraine
I do hope you have a big celebration planned Kevin!! I'm worried about tonight and tomorrow - the Russians may be unleashing weapons and methods they have kept in reserve.
You have used your military for 20 years in Afghanistan and wasted billions of taxpayers money. What have you achieved?
Your so called analysis is biased and based on prejudices about Russia. You need to leave this to experts who have much more knowledge in this field.
As a Slovak of the younger generation 1968 is still in our minds and still influences thoughts and views about Russia (at least on the part of the comprehensively thinking population) so i cannot imagine that even 100 years from now, Ukraine and its people will have forgotten or even forgiven for this...
I'm American, and I will never forgive Russia. I will always be somewhat prejudiced against Russian people until I know whether they supported the war.
Firstly, I thank you for some of that info.
I have friends in both Russia an Ukraine.
In fact, many other Eastern European countries of the former Soviet Union.
I was a British English language consultant, in Kyiv one year; and Odessa three.
I left March 31 2021; because of Putin even then. Exiting to Alanya Turkey; and it's beautiful Med Sea climate.
Some people asked me many times; about why USA and Britain didn't enter the war until 1944.
That's what the version of truth; USSR taught.
I'm not going to insult your intelligence sir, as you are surely aware, that Germany surrendered to USA May 8; not May 9 to USSR.
Mainly due, that for months, 24/7, British and USA bombers destroyed German infrastructure.
Night and day. Softening up for easy transition from the East.
Russia did not have a credible air force, which was a new way to win WW2. A MODERN WAR.
Next I'll tell you about how afraid USSR were; when we defeated Argentina.
TV was saturated with fear. (They told me this also.)
Altho' initially making fun, which is the bragging, narcissistic, jealous, communist mentality.
Unless a person is travelled and experienced this; they'd probably be unaware of it.
Finally, I doubt the figures and anything the USSR said.
Please look at the census figures, pre and post WW2; that Stalin manipulated.
I don't believe they won WW2; either, as Germany were beaten by the weather.
I found the nations I visited, particularly in St. Petersburg, paranoid neurotics; about the wind for example.
Instilled by their idiotic ideology.
Russian soldiers are poor fighters imo. Didn't fight outside their lands, except Berlin in WW2.
Then there's their failure in Afghanistan; for example in the 1980s.
Even now as I write this. Little Ukraine is giving them a hard time.
Adolf Putin expected to trounce them in two days.
I'd like to add that Russia attacking and raping civilians; and creating a humanitarian crisis.
Attacking nuclear power stations. Demonstrates their lack of civilised behaviour.
They have no regard for even their own people. (Please research the Stalingrad siege.)
Anyone who watches and understands Russian; and it's TV channels will open up a world of this:
Guns and killing in dramas.
Senseless sado-masochism in dramas.
Rape in dramas.
Sexual power over anyone in dramas.
Narcissism in TV shows. Insulated from the outside world. Music talent shows are full of elderly people with Botox.
Lots of this sort of entertainment was indicative of Nazi Germany in the 30s.
As for USSR and Russian soldiers, many similarities.
I'll just highlight three.
1. Full of cowards. Who surrendered easily.
2. Peasants who stole toilets in Berlin. Transportation back to Russia. Left priceless paintings on walls.
3. Mass rape of up to two million women aged 8 to pensioner age octogenarian. Watched on my laughing Soviet army women. In East Berlin and East Germany peacetime by the way.
In Ukraine I found a friendly people.
Comedic nature.
Politicians are young and vibrant and energetic.
So are their TV shows.
A person can say anything without fear of arrest.
Russians are the opposite.
Russian people generally speaking have no class.
Have never invented anything worthwhile.
Have been troublesome nuisances throughout history.
Are seemingly boastful, narcissistic, jealous, cold hearted, robotic, soulless, boring people.
No offence to you.
It's just an opinion of what I discovered.
Thanks and have a lovely day.
Thank you for your insightful analysis, Vlad. This is a sad time but I'm grateful that you help us make sense of it.
Carter I hope you are safe and well. It’s very heartbreaking. The intelligence leaks from Russia is that this is not going well. It’s a question how long the Ukrainians can hold: keep the situation horrendous but not catastrophic.
This guy should have a million subscribers
You are very kind. Thank you so much. I do wish 50K people see this video. I feel it adds value.
2 months later, I happened to listen to what you are saying and you are SO RIGHT, with every word you are saying.. Russians indeed are totally diferent people as we think they are... I myself had a russian friend and I loved him dearly. But, after this ugly war started, he showed me his trus colors. Unbelievable but true he showed me to be a totally diferent person all of the sudden.. He became hateful and sour about all the other countries in the west were he btw is living for many years a good and prosperous life!! However, all of the sudden he started to be hateful and a true admirer of that evil devil from Moscow. In the end I had to brake up with him because it was insupportable to see him glorious about all the destruction been done in the Ukrain.. I am still in shock how someone can support such a devilish personality like putin is. Very sad to see, how right you are also, how many lives are spilled (also on the russian side) in this unfair and totally insane war... May justice be served one day...
I'm sorry about your experience with your friend. I had the same thing arise with my US-born brother, married to a Russian woman, now a US citizen living in the US. He too, seems to be an admirer of Putin, and he even told me that the US and the West "better watch out" because the recent sinking of a Russian warship in the Black Sea - with some help/input from NATO countries "could lead to WW3". Well, WW3 started a few weeks ago. If it's nukes you're worried about, really - they almost surely have not been maintained any better than anything else over the past 30+ years when the USSR did it - will they even go off? They have to be maintained. Maybe I've got a different perspective, being a little older than my brother, as I remember having duck & cover drills in elementary school in preparation for nuclear war. I'm surprised it hasn't happened yet! I'd rather not go that way, but it seems less frightening now. Putin cannot keep the veiled threats up forever. At the same time, losing is unthinkable to him. He could go that way if there's no other way to win. However, the other oligarchs cannot make money in a world lain to nuclear waste - perhaps they'll put someone in more sane who NATO and other countries can and will negotiate with.
Your friend is just probably tired of western hypocrisy and wars.. since decades..
I am still waiting to see how Usa bombing countries for ressources and so .. is better than Russia attacking a place where Russians are not safe
Lovely double standard and even worse
May the Monster of Moscow have the same fate as the Assyrian Senacherib!!
@@kosamsani9355 funny how you forget all US presidents for their wars.. and other Nato members. Are you that lame and hypocrite about wars ?
Some can others not ?
I'm reminded of Tsar Nicholas's misadventure in WW1. He made that mistake and an enormous regime happened. In fact, it was one of the main reasons for the rise of the Soviet Union. I fear that Mother Russia is repeating herself.
Interesting comment. However I think it's tough to blame poor "Nicky" on everything. He was pushed into the deep end. The Germans were winning the war, Russian troop morale was at rock bottom, St Petersburg society was decadent, &..........that influence of witchcraft, aka Rasputin, should not be underestimated. Some political observers at the time expressed the view that Rasputin was ruling Russia, through his influence over Alexandra Feodorovna (?), because of his seeming ability to alleviate Alexei's haemophilia.
Eliminating the Intelligensia was not exactly a clever move. At least Putin is not doing that! Neither is Putin influenced by witchcraft. He's far too prosaic for that. Despite his alignment with the Church, he is a non-spiritual person; I would say, atheist. He believes in himself, & Russia per se. No God. His actions & behaviour bear this out.
@@missasinenomine True, we shouldn't blame Nicholas for everything. It was as much the times he was in as it was himself. Not only that, but after the 1905 attempt at revolution, the later events were almost inevitable.
As far as Putin is concerned, perhaps you know more about him. I only know what is portrayed, and we know that can't be fully trusted. No doubt, he's a "go getter." He even tried out for the KGB, only to find out it was them who select him. He's certainly better than our "let's go brandon" President Applesauce.
The difference is between what happened back then and today is that there were revolutionary figures like Lenin, Plekhanov, and Trotsky. Today’s Russia has no revolutionaries.
@@ezefinkielman4672 Good point.
Thank you for an unsentimental and frank view of the current and unimaginably horrific circumstances in Ukraine. May peace with with them as soon as can be.🙏🏽🕊
My pleasure
Dear Vlad, I am coming from dr. Campbell. You deserve more subscribers. I subscribed. Your perspective is fascinating. Thank you.
Thank you so much for saying this. That's very kind. I do hope we can have interesting conversations. I will stay a bit more with Russia, and then resume the slightly more normal service on this channel - making sense of where we are as a culture.
It is really sad what is happening in Ukraine!
Do you guys love propaganda?
They even have civilian trainers to fight, yes that's interesting now. now many have died:(
Are these civilians now civilians or warriors?
I still remember the video when the "Ukrainian army" showed the civilians how to make and use Molotov cocktails,
because they don't have enough weapons for all civilians.
and now they say:
**The Russians shot the poor civilians and then burned them.**
And do you remember, he "had" to get rid of his political rivals, so they had to go to the front as well?
But if they catch a Russian young soldier, then they shoot another war-prisoner in the legs
(These videos have already been deleted?)
so that the first one says whatever they want on camera!
And...
before the "special operation(Denazification)" of Russia in Ukraine... All the media said for years that Ukraine
has a neo-Na-zi problem... and now they are described as "heroes"... "Heroes" for some the weapons industry, banks
and etc...
They are all not interested in people but only in power of any kind and whatever the cost.
video on youtube!!!---->"Counting the cost of the US invasion of Iraq"
The problem for the population is not that there are support Na-zis, but that they are losing to Russia??? I think I understand the logic???
hey:) look at-this!!! video on youtube!!!---->"What #Ukraine is HIDING from YOU - #сФилином"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russia 8% millitary strength ---- VS ---- Ukraine 100% millitary strength + 30'000 volunteers
from the western world + support from all the West and Nato (endless money and latest military equipment help)...
and pls China and India dont support the Russians + sanctions and agen sanctions and agen sanctions and agen...
You all talk about war, but it hasn't even started yet
Video on TH-cam--->Al Jazeera: Ukrainians using Ambulances to Transport Soldiers
A question:
If Zelensky would capitulation, would the "Asow" Kill him?
I'm just finding this video now, and two months later, you have been so right. Talking about national traumas and how they are handled is very helpful. You said that the Russians got therapy from a devil, if I am quoting you correctly. Can you elaborate on that? Thank you.
As a person who lived 23 years under Putin's regime: the analysis is spot on
I have been listening to all of your presentations. Brilliant and insightful analysis of this dreadful situation.
I can only hope that someone in Putin's inner circle will take him out before things escalate further.
Absolutely necessary discussion. Thank you! I hadn't quite found the term for the group think psychopathology. It's impossible to recognize any Mental trauma when everyone suffers from it, but once you understand it you'll find more empathy and yet vitriol for such behavior.
This is a fresh perspective for me, I just discovered the channel. You were accurate in February and you've been proven accurate until now (almost mid April). I also like the style of presentation. Thank you.
Thank you Mike!
Alas, I have never been active or that interested in politics and don't have any connections with politicians but PLEASE someone SHARE this video with people who do!. I'm old enough to remember Cuban missile crises and this crisis is far more dangerous. I hope you find a way to influence both the media and government who in my opinion are badly in need of advice from people like you, for benefit of all of us.
Thank you for clearing the complexity of this issue Ukraine+
I agree with your outline and analysis. We face a never seen enemy.
Michael, I appreciate you. I think we need to accept that this is no short term Blip - it will reshape our world
Thanks Vlad. Great stuff. Keep it up.
For what they did in world war two I had high respect for them. Now none.
Thank you Vlad. I truly value your analysis of everything I've seen of yours so far! You are one of my favourites on TH-cam. You've traveled around the world like me. I like seeing things through your perspective, if that's the right word.
That's such a beautiful comment. Thank you so much!!
Yeah Heather , i just found this guy. so insightful in messed times so just hope some people playing this game of death poker understated this but i'm not sure they do ;(
@@jimboweller3 With everybody and their dog having a view on this, we are going through a kind of liberalisation where you are encouraged to say anything you want on this crisis without knowing much or thinking through the consequences!
@@VladVexler Yes its the not thinking though the consequences that bothers me, I read a article that went though some war game theory and basically talked about the first nuke going off and the likely response of a second in retaliation, and then that from that point the most likely outcome was the end of civilization and its just stopped me in my tracks. Id lived in a world where this would never happen because the the first strike ended everything, id never considered the brinkmanship of letting off a few tactical ones its chilling. and i can see pushed into a corner Putin could do it. I hope some compromise and peace can be found with the whole NATO membership thing because this has become a bit stupid why does Ukraine need to keep open a possibility that is never going to happen, Putin needs to be given that but compromise on other issues so everyone can claim some kind of victory. Give Putin a symbolic victory but also know he destroyed his economy and ironically make sure that Kiev will always look to the West, Id say that Ukraine needs to be able to join the EU but agree not to join NATO. the longer this goes on the higher the tension as you say we need to try to stay calm I guess the logic is that when the war gets so painful for Putin he will be more likely to compromise. Its just hard to predict him and that's why what your saying is so interesting because i was trying to work that out.
Will watch your long form video. At 80 in London today I can understand why westerners such as myself might have illusions about Russia. In my early life Russia was the great Ally against Fascist Germany and the feelings from that lasted a long time. Then there is all the great Russian literature & immense amount of history I have read others have seen as documentaries. So it's understandable, I think. I did realise from the beginning Putin was and is bad news. And the nature of a Dictatorship state means people live by their fear or get destroyed. Worse for us not for Russia is the undermining of our States. It's like a cancer that needs to be immediately cut out & in this we, the West, failed.
IMnsHO, from living in the US, it appears that quite a bit of Russian propaganda is being put out by a few US shows which I hesitate to call news. There is a sizeable contingent who believes "alternative facts", and they do it with an almost religious-like fervor - running headlong into others who believe verifiable facts. I fear if this goes on much longer, the US is heading for a civil war, but one based on ideology rather than geography.
Hi! I am here after hearing your thoughts on Dr John's channel. Very interesting video. Like so many here, I pray for peace of all, hope the Ukraine keeps going and feel so sad at the losses that are being had.
I really appreciate this video, it's the first video I've watched from your channel but you have a very nice rational, logical and cultural view of what's happening. Also as a Software engineer I really really enjoyed its not a bug but a feature😂
Ha ha thank you for enjoying not a bug but a feature and thank you for taking time to listen!!
3:00 i think a big part of the reason why we're not even "allowed" to think or talk about countries as actually being different and having different psychology (even the people within), is because of the whole "zero-tolerance of racism" thing.
Where, literally anything you say that indicates ANY difference what so ever between ANY group of peoples, even if only labelled by nationality, is instantly judged to be racist. I mean for gods sake, you cant even say that Chinese people prefer rice over potatoes, thats "racist" somehow, as if enjoying rice somehow made a people worth less as human beings? Otherwise it wouldnt be racist, if it was percieved as a positive, right?
i say this having lived in China and having chinese friends, whom i explained these "racist buzzwords" to, upon hearing them, such as the other classic one about "slanted eyes", they didnt even understand what was offensive about it.
"Yes, our eyes generally are more almond shaped at an angle compared to flatter western round eyes, so what? Is that bad?"
Upon where i responded "No, i think its gorgeous.", and of course then they replied "So why is that racist? Is it racist to say you have round eyes?"
Which of course, it isnt. Because somewhere us westeners decided that round eyes cannot be offensive, why?
The racism only exist within the white knights who try to find racism in anything they themselves have subconcious preconcieved judgements of, and this is my point. When we cant even discuss REAL completely neutral differences between people (which has ZERO negative connotations what so ever, whatever food you often eat or your eye shape), then how the hell are we supposed to have adult mature in depth discussions about what motives or drives a certain culture in geopolitical aspirations?
We have to collectively grow up, and stop being "woke" to things that were never an issue to begin with.
We're literally creating problems out of thin air for no reason other than to create false drama and stifle proper discourse.
Thank you for your insight. so many people think about everything from their point of view. Not the view from other people. Giving them that view is important for people to understand problems in society.
And of course understanding those in a very different context to us helps us understand ourselves better! Thanks so much for you comment.
How do you know he is not a Kremlin propagandist? Based on what fact or measure you concluded that he's feeding you the truth.
My method to decide, which youtuber is worth listen to, is watching their old videos. I watch this at the end of november 2022. And Mr. Vexler... time has proven you.
First time I visit your channel Vlad.Great video. Here in South America there has been a growing pro Putin feeling and sympathy among both left and right wing folks, quite concerning really, for the last 10 years or so.
One of the many reasons for that is the influence of Russian propaganda through TV but also the penetration of the ideas that I see very few analysts talking about of a freaky thinker called Aleksander Dugin. His books are being translated into Portuguese. He has quite a following in Brazil and indirect penetration in Spanish speaking countries.
Could you please help us understand the connection between Putin and this invasion as possibly carrying out the National Bolshevist Eurasian dream of Dugin?
Sure. For now, there is a new video on the channel about Russian propaganda. And a quick mention of Dugin on the second channel. Vlad Vexler clips. You can find it by clicking on the Dugin time stamp on the last q&a on that channel. I may do a longer breakdown of Dugin, who I think of as a pop ideologue. Thanks so much for your comment.
It was a brave thought - to believe in Ukraine's victory on Feb 25th, 2022. Thank you, sir.
I seen this yesterday. Thank you for all the information. Love from Canada🇨🇦♥️
Love back from East London! 💛💙
Russia was in the mongol empire I understand for 900 year??.they have picked up very cruel habits in all those years😡😡
You are surely genuine, knowledgable and deeply sincere. You also communicate clearly and passionately. Your voice needs to be heard by as many "free world" people as possible.
Thank you Philippe!
Ukraina will remember this war for hundreds of years. This is their fight for independence. Those fights are never forgotten.
Keep up the good work❤been waiting for this
Hope you enjoy - that's the wrong word of course.
This is an intelligent analysis, but lacks historical depth (probably I have not seen your other talks). What makes Ukraine different is that it was fought over for centuries by Swedes, Poles, Lithuanians, Cossacks and Tatars, all contesting Russia's domination. But it was a reservoir of slaves. The Khanate of Crimea trafficked slaves to the Ottoman Empire, and before that the Vikings originally founded Kiev as a slave trading station. So Ukraine does have a fundamentally different history to Russia, even if it is only since the break-up of the USSR that it has really been a state. The Kiev that is now the capital of independent Ukraine is a Soviet capital, and the whole political landscapte is post-Soviet. What is very striking is that the former Soviet proletariat and intelligentsia of the Russian-speaking cities (but not including Crimea, which is not really Ukrainian in any meaningful sense) are now prepared to risk their lives to stay Ukrainian. It is as if they are the real enemy. Mariupol has the neo-Nazi Azov soldiers fighting, but the Russians are destroying the whole city, because it is 90% Russian-speaking but the population don't want autocracy. They have tasted democracy. Moscow tasted democracy under Yeltsin and didn't like it. Ukraine proves that it is still possible in post-Soviet society.
Great analysis! Thank you.☘️🇨🇦☘️
Pleasure
Would love to hear from you about your thoughts on democracy that's been established in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Serbia etc. since nato helped those nations.
It would be great to have insight how did life improve in those countries since they become liberated. Thanks
I am planning to broader out to talking about Western democracy next. And then I might get to other countries. Because I am a philosopher and not a political scientist, my emphasis is always on broader patterns and I never research a topic. I feel that if I need to research a topic, I am not qualified to discuss it. These limitations aside, I will be moving beyond Russia soon.
Simple fact we've learned this week: Russia has never been a stable or reliable democracy. Our Democracies have given Russia way too much trust in advance after the fall of the SU. Germany and Italy have quickly proven to be compatible with Democracy after WWII. Somehow it was too comfortable for us to never confront Russian leadership with the atrocities under Stalin's regime or any other shit under communist rule. It was a just an alternative form of appeasement after the SU was gone. It failed.
I lived in a Russian Orthodox monastery for a while (too long) and trust me, I know how insane Russians are--I also attended Russian Orthodox parishes over the years. I'm really sorry that they're traumatised (this was a convent full of Russian emigres) but I have trauma from early life and I had to leave in order keep what little sanity I stilI have.
I had Putin pegged back at the time of the Kursk disaster and said even back then that he was bad for Russia. Almost a quarter-century has not changed my mind. This makes me glad I'm old--I don't have to look forward to having Russiathreatenoing to nuke the West every time it doesn't get its way.
"Trauma, Fear, Passivity."
PERFECTLY PUT. I saw this a month late. My loss. It is an extraordinary simple, eloquent explanation of how things are. This guy knows how to put things in perspective.
I am frustrated by the TH-cam policy of dating a video as "9 months ago". I don't understand why a video like this is not dated, say, 2/29/22. It's very aggravating. If TH-cam won't fix this...well, it would be helpful if the date were included in the "Pinned by Vlad Vexler" comment. (I hope that you are feeling better, Vlad. In your recent 12/20/22 Chat video, it appeared that the ME had slammed you hard.)
I would love to get your thoughts on my current line of thinking (which I've posted on another video): "With invasion of Ukraine we must constantly be careful not to be anti-russian. It may not seem like it, but the people of Russia (military and civilian) are our best chance out of this mess. Most do not want this war. External action against a nuclear power is dangerous. Change must come from within. And a priority for us must be do what we can to inspire and support this change"
I am so sorry have I missed your comment? I think this is very important for two reasons.
I think Russians ARE politically responsible for this war, but not as straightforwardly as they would be in a democracy. A lot of Russians don't like this - but sadly most Russians are not following the war as it is. They are following the was as it's shown on federal TV.
The second reasons we much separate them from the regime is that anti Russian hysteria just stops us thinking straight including about ourselves. That was one of the effects of Russiagate in the US. It stopped Americans looking at the domestic causes of democratic decline.
Let me know your further thoughts!
@@VladVexler you didn't miss my comment, I had made it on a separate channel before finding yours, so no need to apologise.
Agreed, for Russians it will be difficult to stay informed due to the Russian propaganda machine. It made me wonder what could be done to mitigate this. I was inspired today by the efforts of the Anonymous collective who appear to have managed to hack into Russian Federal TV broadcasts to show the truth of the situation. I think the Russian people are AWARE that something terrible is happening, but they most likely feel as though they cannot do anything about it. If they're to be effective, they'd need to be extremely organised I think.
I've not heard much anti-russian sentiment which is promising, at least not directed to the people of Russia. Plenty of anti-Putin / Russian government sentiment. Though I imagine there are cases I've not seen. But the fact I've not seen it yet suggests it'd be a small minority. I just hope that continues.
I do agree heartily. Our hope going forward must be in the younger generation of Russians who do not watch the state media but find their news through the internet which is much harder for Putin to control. We can also hope that really severe sanctions will further encourage the people around Putin to find ways to dismantle his power.
@@VladVexler I'm in the US and believe many people who were Trump followers have taken a step back from him and Pompeo with their admiring comments of Putin's attack on Ukraine. Many are now finally connecting the dots and have stopped seeing the Democratic Party as the enemy. They are seeing links between Putin's regimes and what Trump was attempting to set up for himself. Though there is a Cul-like portion who will continue to support this Autocratic governing, they are a shrinking minority. Those fools don't know what they are asking for
It's NOT the Russian People! God knows they have been held hostage to his propaganda for so long it will take some time for the leaking truth to reach them. I pray the people do come together and over throw him. If they can't or don't then the world leaders must take on that task. He's a very real danger to the lives of his citizens and people all over the world and would leave earth uninhabitable. Negotiations are pointless as Putin's lies mean nothing. He must be taken down. His regime arrested or dispersed as soon as possible. The situation will not get better left to Putin.
@@VladVexler Americans DO know Freedom is not Free.
Ukraine still remembers the Great Famine (Holodomor) from 1932 to 1933 that killed millions of Ukrainians considered as a criminal act of Stalin's regime.
Hungary still remembers the 1956 revolution crushed by the USSR's still Stalinist government.
Poland remembers the Katyn massacre of nearly 22000 Polish military officers and intelligentsia carried out by the Soviet Union.
Romania still remembers two decades of the totalitarian Ceausescu regime considered the most repressive in the Eastern Bloc at the time.
Do you think Ukrainians will ever forget what Putin and the Russians did to them?
Vlad, your content is SO GOOD! SO USEFUL! It puts things together for those who try to understand RU vs UA. I say this as a Hungarian being 50 this year, having seen the fall of Ceausescu (and predicted it few weeks beforehand , winning a full crate of coca-cola from my diplomat Father, I am veery proud of that :) ), lived regime changes in E-Europe. I am a fan of taoism & geopolitics since early teenage. Studied some. Your Holistic, whole-istic approach is The Way, like opening the doors and rooms to each other to see the whole space and beyond. Thank you for this one and all! Wish you best ideas and higher intuition, inspiration for your works! Gratefully, Tamas
In 60 AD Apostle Saint Andrew traveled to the area of Kiev, preached, and said, one day a great city would be built here with many churches to the glory of God. Today there is a church to Saint Andrew in Kiev. The peoples in the area were Slavic. Kyi, Shchek and Khoryv, three brothers and the sister Lybid founded Kiev in 482 AD, Kiev was named after the older brother Kyi. Kiev the older brother was King. Herodotus wrote that Hercules had founded this land.
The Rus were Viking tribes that settled peacefully in Kiev as far back as 750 AD with the Slavs there, 400 years before Moskva existed. The name Russia, coming from the city Moskva, has no connection to the RUS. Russia coming from Moskva started with Batu Kahn much later as a vasal under Mongolian rule. All the early Czars were Mongolian and of no connection to the RUS. The Rus were with the Slavs to the south in Kiev. Moskva were Finnish Urgic Tribes; Mosk means cow and Va water, which are Finnish names. There was no RUS there. The ethnic background of Moskva is Finnish-Urgic and Mongolian. The Rus developed the religion, city Kiev, alphabet, churches, and had its saints. The founder of Kievian Rus (800) or the Rus was a Viking named Askold or Oskold (Norse) from Sweden; not Oleg as in the Russian story. Kievian Rus exists long Before Novgorod and Oleg’s arrival there. Askold is the Slavic name. Oskold, the first King of Kievian Rus was in Kiev before Oleg in Novgorod. Oskold had 200 ships and 20,000 warriors. Oskold was baptized in Constantinople (128 years before Volodymyr) and sent the first bishop back to Kiev. Oskold and Dir were the first Dynasty of Kievian Rus. Askold rules from the 40-60s and Dir to the 80s. Askold is buried in Kiev and the first Kievian Christian King & Dynasty. Oleg followed coming from Sweden through Novgorod and was a pagan. Russia as named today started in the city of Moskva over 400 years later after Kievian Rus or Rus. From Kiev, the capitol of Rus, Kievian culture was spread, much like the Greeks Hellenized the known world, or like the British anglicized the world by the English language. This process does not make Moskva to become RUS in as much as Persian are not Greek. How we are misled by a name; Russia. The capitol of the RUS has always been Kiev. There is no other RUS and no RUS in Moskva. Many say Ukraine began recently; but the culture of the RUS is Kievian RUS, both culture and ethnic background. Ukraine is a name given by Poland meaning outer lands. The land of the RUS before the Mongolian invasion was very large. The name RUS is a Norse name which means men that row; there are no men that row in Moskva. So Moskva adopted the name Russia while being a Mongolian vassal, essentially traitor to the RUS; and all the Czars were Mongolian-Finnish. The Culture of the Mongolian was centralized power, and that cultural imprint was passed on to present day Russia. Ukraine’s real name should be Kievian RUS, or Kievskarus! Russia began in Moskva by Batu Kahn and Novgorod conquered much later, still no connection to the Rus.
Putin & Lavrov should be ashamed of themselves, the USSR was an occupation; it never had the status of a sovereign state and due process of law that would be associated with a free society. Even today the mentality of the gulag exists. There is no freedom of press and speech, people are arrested for speech, there is no due process of law, and the religion is state run making it totalitarian theocracy. As such, it did not deserve to exist in a free world; and history has shown such totalitarian organizations fail over time and author in many gulags. The true culture of Russia is Finno-Ugric and Mongolian, having nothing to do with the RUS (Kievian), expect borrowed as in the sense of Hellenized or Anglicized "forms" as a comparative reference. The centralized form of Russian politics is a very Mongolian imprint on culture. The actions of Putin seem to be another Mongolian invasion of Kiev; here I suggest as to the correct metaphor. I believe so. Putin & Lavrov insistence to have purview over eastern Europe also seems like paying tribute to the Mongolian Horde. Moskva started as an agglomeration of Finnish tribes, combining a Finnish name meaning cows water and developed by Mongolian culture. Mosk means cow and Va means water. The RUS are men that row, Vikings, Norse, established Kiev 400 years before (750 AD) Moskva even thought to exist. The name Russia for current nation is totally inappropriate. The current Russia started in Moskva; how misleading is the name Russia coming from Moskva that has no connection to the RUS. All the lands should be returned to Kiev; the West of Russia to Finland, and the East to Mongolia. Russia’s place on the globe appears as a temporary aberration in my view. To use threats of Nukes publicly strikes at the heart as adolescent behaviour; surely any nation or person that issues such threats and being an ally to such while not even having war imposed on them is not fit to rule. This would include allies of Russia. Oh yes, I remember, Russia didn't invent the bomb, they stole it in the 1940's and gave it to Kurchatov. Russia struggles with an identity crisis since its beginnings unoriginal to the ethnic groups. Its errors are numerous, 50 million killed by Stalin in WW2, allied to the Nazis to kill the Poles for their defeat in WW2, Holodomor where millions of Ukrainians were killed and grain stolen, and constant antagonist with Europe. We even have the Holy Mother announcing Russia’s errors at Fatima. Russia is a Mongolian culture and all the first Czars were Mongolian and Batu Kahn is the author.
Oskold was the grandson of Ragnar the king of Sweden, his name is old Norse and spoke old Norse, the name Rus is old Norse, he settled peacefully in Kiev and the Slavs made him king, he brought Christianity to Kiev with his son dir...his burial mound is where St Nicholas church is built, Oleg wasn’t even in Novgorod when this happened, and Oleg is not a Rus nor old Norse name. The Slavs called Oskold the name Askold. After came Dir, Oleg was a pagan who assassinated Dir, Oskold becomes the first dynasty...later when the line of kings get to Vladimir, he is captured at a trading post by the Mongols, the post is called Moskva, and the king killed. Moskva as a city was a Mongolian invention, and Novgorod becomes a part of that Russia by conquest, although having nothing to do with the Rus. Oskold line is Ragnar, ironside, Oskold from the King of Sweden Ragnar. Oleg is via Rurik coming much later. The accounts of Oskold are within the time, Al Mamun an Arab writer of the time wrote of Oskold, the Russian chronicles come hundreds of years later. In much the same way accounts of relevant history are better understood by those of the times, much like the Bible, dating to the original times makes the account authentic. The Russian chronicles are merely a tale and inaccurate.
First of all, you don't look anywhere near 40. Second, thanks for these videos. Third, I miss the good old days when we could have just talked metaphysically about Nietzsche and Peterson :(
Dear Marko let's see how Kyiv and Kharkov fare overnight, 500 tanks moving on Kyiv now. We will be back to Nietzsche and even JP soon!!!!!! Hug.
Forty isn't old. I have kitchen appliances that are forty years old.
Seven months later, and things have not gone as expected. The towering historic figure to emerge from this Russia-Ukraine war is Zelensky, not Putin. So, you're not psychic. No worries.
Where you go wrong is, in that war is a time of rapid social change. The disruptions of the wartime economy, the transport of soldiers far from home, the deaths; at the end all the kings horses and all the kings men, couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again.
Russia is looking less like the power that threatens humanity, and more like the crazy old aunt, bitter about being jilted by a soldier in 1945.
Superb analysis. Your insight was sorely needed by politicians dealing with Russia's original invasions in 2014.
I lived in Russia for a while. I dated a girl there who was embarrassed by her country, its foreign policy, and the occupation of Crimea. I dated another who, upon hearing anyone talk soberly and factually about Russian occupation of Eastern Ukraine would get very angry and emotional and start spewing silly propaganda about how mistreated the Russian people there were. There's a range. Like most places. I mean, hell, in the United States today there are large numbers of people who legitimately believe that Hillary Clinton drinks the blood of sacrificed children, or that Donald Trump was a competent president. Can't get much crazier than that.
Vlad great video I feel you’re very in touch with the reality of why this is taking place.
I was really impressed with this analysis, the historical inheritance you referenced is something engrained in a peoples psyche. Particularly that of the Russians.
Your voice is much needed and I hope more people see this my friend, I’m glad I found your channel
That is such a beautiful comment. I wish you well!
Excellent comment. Russia is entirely different from the West in perspective formative influences and engrained beliefs. As a simple distinction, in Russia throughout its history everything is forbidden by the State unless expressly permitted. The State owns and controls all property and all citizens. In the West, everything is permitted unless expressly prohibited and the extent of State authority is defined and circumscribed by law. There are other contrasts but this is one of the founding principles of Russian society regardless of regime.
Thanks Vlad. I always appreciate your informed analysis!
What was the other video you recommended (after the build up video)?
Oh maybe just referring to my last video, which you have seen already?
@@VladVexler you mentioned a link to another if we’d already watched that one 😊
Historical mistake, YES ! But, what for is he doing that? Acquiring (having access to lots of land and oceanic ressources; elimination of Ukrainians; etc) a new territory. Maybe. However, i wonder what does he want to offer to his russia citizens ? What kind of society does he want to build? I just don't get it. Russia is the largest country in the world. Not big enough?
Very interesting Vlad, you said this at the start of the war and not now nearly 8 weeks in. The war is more horrific than you anticipated, but well understood by your good self.
Yes that's true - and we can't assume we have seen the worst of it yet. Mariupol will be unimaginable once we see it. Plus Putin is capable of deploying bigger weapons on civilians.
From Russian Subscriber England is in a cataclysmic decline like the USA as Russia becomes richer. Way it is God 1st Yuliya
good job Vlad. Your analysis is spot on. Maybe my perception is wrong but it seems that the oligarchs are not putting enough pressure to end this shit. What's your view on this? How the oligarchs are important for the inner circle? When are they going to say: enough is enough?
Thanks so much. So, there are no oligarchs in Russia and that has been the case for many years. That's because their money is utterly at the whims of the regime - it might be fair to say it's not even theirs. A couple of uttered minor noise against the war. Not one has taken any visible action. The only pressure points are twofold:
(1) Mass public protest
(2) Pressure from inside the clans around Putin. They are whispering behind his back and planning for a future without him - but they are not directly motivated to end the war. Think of them as big cats contemplating a time to pounce - knowing it may take a long while,.
Does that help at all? Sorry it's such a tragic mess. Very sad for Russian young people especially.
@@VladVexler perhaps the west should do something similar to Russia. Nationalize the Russian asset abroad rather than freeze it?
Why those oligarchs and their kids aren't sent home?
One thing distubing about Putin is that he has denounced Lenin and Trotsky but not Stalin.
USA imperial arrogance will be costly too...is USA willing to get Ukraine to NATO worth all of this
NATO and America pushed this! How odd the Neo Nazi History or Ukraine is ignored here? 🤔 As for describing the current situation of Britain and America … We all appear to be under the spell of Uncle Klaus?
I believe that Putin is feeling deep regret for initiating this disaster. He'll never verbalize it but I believe it's true. He's put the future of his reign in serious jeopardy and I'm sure he knows it. God knows what he may do as his authority grows weaker.
But even, if that was true, it doesn't help us. He will never resign, excuse or pay for the horror he initiated.
@@awpetersen5909 Maybe not willingly
@@ddobry21 We will never know. We cannot look into his thoughts and feelings. All I know is, noone should culminate so much power in one Person. Less checks and balances. And he could easily end all our lives. How is this even possible.
@@awpetersen5909 I know right? It's scary. The possibility for things to go way south is very much there. I don't imagine it's been this uncertain since the Cuban missile crisis.
Gorbachev was deep in his heart a visionary: he saw the future of the world as Democratic He felt that the huge land mass of Russia would be an integral leading part of the world .He was a man of peace .Putin is an opportunist without really military knowledge or experience and could make himself somebody only by destroying the work of his predecessor !
I have heard it said that the oligarchs of Russia have the ability to pressure Putin to do what they want. And that if sanctions from the West succeed in putting those oligarchs in a lot of pain, they might be able to force Putin to end the war. Do you think that is realistic, or just a fool's hope?
This is completely unrealistic, but there are two reasons for it anyway. (1) taking an ethical stance (2) minimising corruption - Russian money is trying to buy Western politics fairly regularly and a modest but non-trivial level of success.
Sadly Putin is on an historic mission here, as well as being persuaded that taking Ukraine gives him safety to stay in power longer. He is even prepared to take a big dip in the polls if necessary.
Thanks for the reply! If you have time to answer, what do you think of Germany changing its stance in regard to Russia in the last few days: halting certification of Nordstream 2, agreeing to cut off Russian Banks from the SWIFT payment network, openly supplying weapons to Ukraine and allowing other nations to supply German-made weapons, announcing construction of two additional facilities for processing Liquified Natural Gas (presumably from the USA or other nations, thus reducing dependance on Russian gas moving forward), and radically increasing spending on their military. All of these things are reversals of German policy, and many observers did not think Germany would do any of them. Since Germany is one of Russia's biggest customers for gas, do you think these moves by Germany will have any serious impact on Putin, or on others in the Russian government?
China will easily navigate Russia thru any sanctions. Putin planned for this, trust me lol
2 months after the video was uploaded and seems like you're correct
Of course they started bombing shortly after this video
This was a phenomenal video. Thank you so much!!
I appreciate your comment so much!
Dear Vlad. How can you prove to me you are authentic and not some plant of a Western intelligence agency or something similar? I'm not saying you are one but these are institutions I don't trust that can operate with some sophistication. Maybe I'm joking. But maybe I'm not.
Thank you Vlad. My message for both sides of the story and all people on the world. This is just as true today as it was in 1984: "A nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought" - Ronald Reagan. #NoFirstUse of Nuclear Weapons. Как сказал президент Рональд У. Рейган в апреле 1984 года, «в ядерной войне победить невозможно, поэтому вести ее нельзя ни в коем случае».
To prevent nuclear war, people must listen and be able to make compromises. But last decades clearly showed this is not the case as the west showed no respect for Russia's red lines and got into a new Cuban Missile Crisis, 2.0. I would suggest watching Gleen Greenwald's video called The War in Ukraine, he's an unbiased journalist providing plenty of interesting points.
@@VladK-1 I agree we must start listening to each other again. I am full aware of Russia's security concerns regarding the the West (EU / NATO) moving closer to her borders. I don't understand why we can't agree on a neutral belt between EU / NATO and Russia like we have with Finland for example. Now it escalated to a phase where trust between big powers is completely gone. The west believes Russia wants to move back to the USSR again. Either way, we live in uncertain times and I hope we can de-escalate as soon as possible. We, as a world and as humanity, have enough challenges already. Peace to our children, not nukes.
@@rodgerb2645 God Bless. An interesting fact, in Russia there is a famous politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky who have predicted practically everything (Ukraine with neo-nazi/Bandera followers becoming popular ideology there, Crimea getting back to Russia, NATO expansion, Nagorno-Karabakh war, Chechnya war, Abkhazia and Georgia issues, and so on!) in 1991 (!!!) during the very first Russian president debates. Most people laughed him off "you can't be serious" for decades as he was getting only more desperate whenever Russian Duma voted wrong (in his opinion). But he's just a true patriot...
He never got more than 6% in the presidential election results (balloted many times as he's LDPR party leader) and he always said "I will not lose, it will be Russian people who lose, sadly". Quite a personality!
His point of view was always that NATO wants Russia destroyed-divided into many small parts, and conquered. He predicted that NATO will expand and never step back, only forward...and fight many proxy wars against Russia on its borders. Just wow!
Now many Russians are realizing he was right all the time.
He's still alive though struggling with a heavy disease in a hospital now (possibly COVID-related).
The interesting fact is that in December 2021 he spoiled the fact that 2022 will be not a peaceful year and something will happen in late February (he told an exact date and time but was a few days wrong). He was spot on but nobody noticed!
If you wonder here is his famous 1991 debates video but unfortunately, it has no English subtitles th-cam.com/video/YuwXw-9-t9s/w-d-xo.html
The Onion once summed up the Russian personality with a fake story about Stalin's death and the sobbing crowds: "Who will crush our souls now?"
Obrigada pelo vídeo!
🤍
True. But be careful when you pick on the little guy whom happens to have American friends with American interests. They break army's and ruin credit scores.
Thank you
Love to you.
We cannot discredit anybody except putin. His kind of thinking has written horrible history for Russia for hundreds of years. All saber rattling will be answered🙏
Introduce your self firstly, who you are, what is your expertise, before you have a social platform. What you saying is nothing new, believe me, my brother.
Any analysis which begins with the belittling of other analysis is a huge red flag. Still, I listened. And, there's no insight of substance here. There just isn't. Most of it was waffle, inoffensive waffle but waffle all the same.
You lost me at "Russia is more traumatized". Ukraine was on the front line when the Germans invaded in WWII. Holodomor was before that.
The Russia that you foresee recognizing Ukraine half a century from now is not going to be the Russia that exists now in terms of territory or ethnicity. Russia is dying out, and the dominant political class in Russia is 100% to blame for it.
Watching this late September 2022, 7 month after that video: not a bad prediction. Unfortunately.
In Russia's behavior we see, I think, the long-term effects of tetra ethyl lead and/or consumption of wood alcohol.