Most would never walk away from their job if it meant no means of support. However, in Russia, the times are different. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a calamity both in Russia and in Ukraine.
Russian citizens, especially those who disagree with Vladimir Putin’s assault on a sovereign nation, are faced with tough decisions. Do they blindly support the invasion, or do they speak out?
Speaking out could produce dire consequences. The Russian dictator has been known to track down those who oppose him and eliminate them. In the middle of a war, speaking out against Putin is extremely risky. It could cost you your life.
Nevertheless, the former editor-in-chief of “Russia Today” (RT) resigned her position. In an exclusive interview, Maria Baronova gave FOX News a blunt warning, “I really think we’re on the brink of a nuclear war right now. I’m not exaggerating.”
Baronova explained why she can’t just up and leave Russia. She really has no choice. “I have a son. I can’t leave because his father won’t allow me to leave with him, and so I just prefer to stay in Moscow,” Baronova told FOX News.
“It seems like we’re either in North Korea or we are going to be killed by a thermonuclear mushroom,” she continued. Baronova explained why she’s so distressed about a pending nuclear engagement.
She explained, “I wouldn’t quit, and I wouldn’t lose my salary and job if I was sure that we are going to be alive for many years. But I really don’t know what is going to happen to all of us next.” Baronova explained other reasons that motivated her to suddenly quit her job.
When she expressed disagreement over the Ukraine invasion, a colleague told her not to worry about being “ashamed of being Russian” because now she’s no longer a Russian. In a nutshell, this person called Baronova a traitor for standing up for her values.
This is how the propaganda machine works in authoritarian societies. Americans should be cautiously watching how our own state-dictated media begins to censor and manipulate free speech. Free speech will be the first thing to go in a democracy.
The sanctions being leveled against Russia are slowly being felt by its citizens. However, Putin controls all the media. He is able to manipulate the narrative. He must. However, one brave member of the Russian media said enough is enough. Others must follow Baronova’s example.
There is only hope for Ukraine when the majority of Russians begin to do the same. If Russia as a whole turns on Vladimir Putin, his power will be in serious jeopardy. Eventually, someone will do what is necessary. Suddenly, there will be no more Vladimir Putin. But will it happen soon enough to prevent a global catastrophe?