Russian historical patterns as a weapon of aggression and the “Moscow factor” in the West's policy towards Ukraine

Abstract

The article is a continuation of the author's analysis of Putin's historical “research”, which is based on the thesis of Ukraine being a “part of Russian civilization”. It is shown that in the Russian Federation the task of restoring this “historical justice” through the war is the one to which the social mobilization of all segments of the population, “clarification” of the canons of state historical memory, revision of the decision to rehabilitate Soviet citizens, and increased control and repression of disloyal Russians are subordinated. The author draws parallels between the policies of today's Russia and pre-war Germany on this range of issues. The author also talks about those whom Putin imitates in his interpretation of history — Ivan IV the Terrible and Stalin. The author draws attention to how Putin resorts to blackmail with nuclear weapons. According to his estimates, the current situation can be compared to the eve of World War II, when Europe tried to appease the aggressor, while today the “Moscow factor” significantly affects Western policy toward Ukraine.