Statkievič: In 1917, the principle "War to a victorious end" already led Russia to a national catastrophe
Russian society, blinded by false myths of greatness and glory, chooses to continue the war. Russians will have to pay for believing in fabricated myths – they are once again leading the country to a catastrophic end, writes Mikoła Statkievič.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day parade in Moscow, May 9, 2026. Photo: AP Photo / Pavel Bednyakov, Pool
I have already written about the possible scenarios for Russia's continuation of the war against Ukraine.
Unfortunately, I have little doubt that the war will continue with the support of the majority of Russian society, which sees no other way to end it than with an RF victory, or something that could be declared as such a victory.
This majority, brought up on fabricated historical myths, considers the myth of Russia's eternal "greatness and glory" to be its most important value and a basis for self-respect. But for some reason, the strange Ukrainians are not allowing Russia to achieve its "natural" victory, which creates a dissonance in the minds of this Russian majority between their ingrained historical myths and the very different reality of the war.
It's hard for them to part with these myths, as they have no other reason to be proud in their lives.
Therefore, the war will continue until the fear of their own death or grief from the death of loved ones, cold, and hardship overcome the allure of false myths.
Hostages of artificial historical stereotypes have also become those who deliberately instilled them in public consciousness — the leadership of the Russian state. Now it cannot even agree to obviously rational compromises without the risk of facing public outrage. Therefore, the Kremlin continues the war and, despite the real situation on the front, seeks ways to achieve victory in it.
In 1917, the principle "War to a victorious end" already led Russia to a national catastrophe, and its ruling elites to a tragic personal end.
One must learn the lessons of true history, and not invent another for oneself.