“Putin included ‘denazification’ of Ukraine in new strategy to ‘fight extremism’ – ISW December 30, 07:00 Share: Russian dictator Putin (Photo: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via REUTERS) The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) analyzed the new strategy to counter ” extremism” of Vladimir Putin, aimed at a balance between the interests of the electorate and the needs of the Russian economy and army. ISW analysts note that Putin has included his statements about the “denazification” of Ukraine in a new state strategy to counter”, — write on: ua.news
Russian dictator Putin (Photo: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via REUTERS)
Institute for the Study of War (ISW) analyzed a new countermeasure strategy “of extremism” of Vladimir Putin, aimed at a balance between the interests of the electorate and the needs of the Russian economy and army.
ISW analysts point out that Putin included his statements about “denazification” of Ukraine in the new state strategy for countermeasures “extremism”. This document confirms his previous demands for a change of Ukrainian government, made at the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
On December 28, Putin signed a new version of the Strategy for Countering Extremism. Unlike the previous edition of 2020, the document mentions the year 2024 for the first time “Russophobia”. It is described as “hostile and discriminatory attitude” towards Russian citizens, language and culture on the part of unfriendly states.
“The 2024 document calls Ukraine the main source of extremism and accuses it of spreading “neo-Nazi ideas.” It states that Russia should “eliminate extremist threats”, which [нібито] are leaving Ukraine,” the message reads.
Experts remind that as early as February 2022, Putin used theses about “denazification” to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Similar statements were made recently, which indicates the rejection of compromises regarding the demands put forward by Russia in 2021−2022.
The document also focuses on “Russophobia” and “discrimination”, which, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, are “the reason for the war against Ukraine”. The Kremlin is likely to use these arguments to justify demands for the removal of the Ukrainian government.
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The 2024 strategy contains points that resonate with the pro-war ultra-nationalist community in Russia, ISW experts add. In particular, the document claims that migrants contribute to extremism and suggests strengthening migration policy. In addition, the question of revising educational programs in the South Caucasus and Central Asia for prevention is raised “Russophobia”.
ISW Key Findings for December 29: