Summary
Highlights
Central Russia is experiencing blackouts, airport shutdowns, and unreliable ATMs, all masked as safety measures. The Kremlin's propaganda clashes with the reality of a nation at war, affecting ordinary Russians who lack VPNs to escape the consequences.
Russia operates under the guise of a 'special military operation,' yet it's treated as a war zone with air traffic halts, internet shutdowns, and jammed GPS. Major cities are affected, and dissent is criminalized, leading people to accept inconveniences rather than challenge the regime.
Civilian bureaucrats are essential for maintaining the illusion of stability. They handle tasks like replenishing the army and bypassing sanctions. However, they can't address military consequences or protect against attacks.
War and modern infrastructure are incompatible. The Russian government's patches for chaos, such as installing jammers and grounding flights, are insufficient. False radar blips can disrupt flights, and phone services can be unreliable. This creates a 'new baseline' where commercial aviation, mobile networks, and financial services are all vulnerable.
Security services focus on imaginary enemies rather than real threats. The FSB fabricates threats. Actual saboteurs operate with impunity, while the government focuses on banning websites and arresting bloggers. The civilian infrastructure will be blamed for the inevitable implosion, while the real culprits escape accountability.