Dead Drop: June 7

RAISING THE RUSSIAN ARMY:  We’ve heard some extravagant promises from military recruiters before – but those wanting to come up with more volunteers for the Russian armed forces have taken it to a higher level.  According to a piece by Julia Davis in The Daily Beast, some of Putin’s apologists, such as Artemiy Vladimirov, Archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church, are telling potential enlistees that if they get killed in Ukraine – not to worry – they will be resurrected. Would he lie? The arch promise from the Archpriest is not a one-off.  Major General Apti Alaudinov, commander of Chechen forces, is said to have assured folks (as The Daily Beast puts it) that “Russia’s war against Ukraine will lead to the second coming of Christ.” This is quite a promise – especially considering the Alaudinov is himself – a Muslim. Other Russian TV talking-heads are telling viewers that “death does not exist,” which – no doubt – is quite comforting.

BLITZKREIG AND ROY – While denying the existence of death seems a bit comical (especially in light of all the contrary evidence that the Russian army has provided in recent years) it is by no means the only foray into the fanciful for Putin’s forces. The BBC says that the Kremlin is relying on “war-themed comic books” to push propaganda on Russian youths. The defense and education ministries are reportedly distributing thousands of comic books, created by Oleg Roy, a prominent Russian children’s author, to schools in Russia and in Russian-held Ukrainian territory. The publications provide short stories about the heroic service of Russian fighters – and tout the “humanity” they show in dealing with their Ukrainian foes.

Access all of The Cipher Brief’s national security-focused expert insight by becoming a Cipher Brief Subscriber+ Member.

Sign Up Log In

Search

Close