#Russia

Ukraine’s vital efforts in developing its missile capabilities is a mission rooted in a long history of missile production and driven by the urgent need to defend against Russian aggression.

Many Russians, even among those who oppose Russia’s war against Ukraine, still hesitate to take responsibility, blaming the invasion on NATO provocation or conspiracy theories about US meddling and a coup. Experts say that this is because the “victim” mentality persists in Russian society today. But why is that? Our reporter Yev Kopiika interviews Dr. Botakoz Kassymbekova, an Assistant Professor in Modern History at the University of Basel.

For centuries, Russia has tried to eradicate dissent—including in territories it colonized—by sending political prisoners to penal colonies across its empire. Today, this system has mutated once again—this time, in newly occupied Ukraine.