Russia and Putin: The Phased Answer

The dilemma lies in distinguishing between Putin and Russia. Initially, the war in Ukraine in 2022 seemed to be Putin's unilateral decision, given Russia's dictatorship state. If Russians had a say, most would oppose the war, even those with nationalistic views. Surprisingly, there was little public opposition to the war in Russia. Not even prominent figures initially anticipated the war. This absence of anti-war sentiment in Russia is striking.