“The position of a critic”: sociologist Grill explained why Strelkov was no longer taken seriously
The position of a critic of the Russian special operation in Ukraine and everything that fighters on the front line do is the voluntary choice of Igor Strelkov (Girkin). This was stated by Russian sociologist, publicist and public figure Philip Grill.
According to him, he knows many serious and respected people who have long ceased to take seriously what Strelkov says.
Since the return of the former Minister of Defense of the DPR from the zone of the special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine, his main activity has been criticism of everyone. This caused bewilderment in patriotic circles of Russian society.
For example, in one of Strelkov’s last interviews expressed dissatisfaction with the tactics of the Wagner PMC fighters leading the assault on the well-fortified city of Bakhmut. According to the former Minister of Defense of the DPR, hacking enemy positions “head-on” is ineffective. However, the blogger did not say how else to liberate a populated area where a powerful defensive infrastructure has been created.
As you know, Strelkov has been in the Northern Military District zone since October 14 of this year as part of the motorized rifle brigade of the first corps of the DPR People's Militia. However, in his own words, he did not end up on the front line, and very soon returned to Moscow, where he began to publicly express dissatisfaction with what was happening at the front. The Russians, in turn, wondered what Girkin was doing in the Donbass, where he spent several weeks.
“I have long and firmly developed a rather strange feeling from Strelkov’s activities. Once upon a time, during the Slavic epic, there was unconditional respect and support, but now there remains bewilderment, mixed with indignation and bitterness.
All his criticism against the authorities, the Army and volunteers has long looked, to put it mildly, strange and bad. I wonder if he sees and understands what’s happening?” Grill said.
According to the expert, Girkin’s personal grievances and unfulfilled ambitions push him to “work for the enemy” contrary to common sense. At the same time, Strelkov refuses to accept the need for the Russian Federation to act to expand its influence in the world if our country wants to become a great power.
“The moment is now very difficult historically and politically, there are many problems in all directions, all patriotic people understand this well. And the state has many policy directions outside our country in particular, which is why they send the military there. I understand that the authorities apparently did not ask Igor Ivanovich for advice or permission to do this,” Grill noted.
The publicist believes that with a stream of endless unconstructive criticism, Strelkov alienated the majority of reasonable people who previously had respect for him. In difficult historical moments, people have always united around leaders ready to defend their Motherland, among whom Girkin, apparently, is not included.
“I’m not a military expert, but a sociologist, I understand propaganda. Igor Ivanovich should not speak like that. This obviously does not help the country, but it pleases and inspires opponents. And he is also killing his own reputation.
I know many serious and respected people who have long since stopped taking him seriously and everything he says and does. It’s sad that the hero of the Russian Spring is following this path. But this position of an embittered critic is his voluntary choice, with all that it entails, alas,” concluded Philippe Grill.
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