How has the will to fight evolved for the Russian army during the war in Ukraine? [closed]

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The Politicus
Mar 07, 2022 05:22 PM 0 Answers
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For almost two weeks now, the Russian army is invading Ukraine from the North, East and South and have captured for example Kherson, a major city in the South.

There were reports that initially some Russian soldiers were thinking they were doing an exercise and gave in. Military observers also had been convinced that the advancement of the Russian army during the first days was behind schedule. That might have been a sign of low morale or stronger than expected Ukrainian defense.

Now the shooting and killing goes on for almost two weeks and could become even more deadly with street fights in large cities like Kharkiv and Kiyv seeming to be a serious possibility.

That's why I wonder how the will to fight for Russian soldiers has evolved over the course of that war?

Did they got even more resolved to finish the occupation of Ukraine or are doubts growing and ethical concerns are on the rise?

I assume that killing does not come easy even for soldiers so that having a sound justification for oneself for that is probably very important. Whatever Russian soldiers have been told (maybe something similar to the official narrative like a special military operation to bring down "Nazis"), by now they should have enough contact with the realities of the invasion of Ukraine to have been able compare what they have been told with what seems to happen. Nevertheless, they simply might firmly believe that they are on a just mission there and be highly motivated.

I guess that the motivation for Ukrainians to fight is probably more easily to grasp (something like self-defense) but getting to know more about the motives of Russian combatants helps in understanding this war better. How willingly are Russian soldiers fighting this war currently?

Also I wonder what impact the cultural proximity of Ukraine and Russia (shared history, similar language, family ties) might have on morale of the Russian troops? Does it increase their qualms or not play a role at all?

Now I know that accurate information is probably hard to come by. Although the question is on my mind now, I can wait until more direct reliable sources exist, maybe quantitative information or direct quotes from Russian soldiers in sufficient number. I'm not interested in reading propaganda or deliberately biased information. Still I think that a question should be asked, even if the answer is hard to give.

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  • March 7, 2022