Chapter 1: The Grand Display

The narrative begins with a spectacle—a parade. A multitude of impeccably attired young individuals, handpicked for their "ethnic Russian" appearance, march energetically through Red Square. The rhythmic beating of drums is complemented by the resounding notes of trumpets, while officials observe from flag-adorned stands filled with historical symbolism. Armored vehicles, tanks, and missile launchers share the stage with dignitaries waving from opulent cars, all fostering a fleeting sense of national pride. However, as the parade concludes, citizens return to their dismal state-supported salaries, aging Soviet-era apartments, and bare refrigerators.

The audience remains unaware that the missile tubes are devoid of munitions, having deteriorated from prolonged outdoor storage. They mistakenly believe that the ten T-14 tanks showcased are merely a fraction of the fleet, oblivious to the fact that these are the only models available, and even they are incomplete—untested electronics and absent optics. The warmongers deceive not only the public but also NATO Defense Attachés peering from luxurious hotel windows equipped with binoculars and telephoto lenses.

Yet, the true audience extends beyond the public and foreign officials. As they return to their daily lives, the public momentarily forgets their struggles, momentarily basking in the pride of being part of a "Great Nation." Foreign diplomats will submit their reports to distant legislative bodies. The real focus lies with the officials and bureaucrats gathered near Lenin's Tomb, the very individuals who allocate budgets and authorize expenditures. While they believe they orchestrate the event, they are, in fact, the targets. The generals and warmongers conduct this display to distract these officials from corruption and misappropriation, impressing upon them that progress is being made. Only the warmongers know the truth about the number of tanks that are mere shells and the missiles that lack essential components. Thus, a façade of contentment is maintained.

The public feels pride, foreign nations harbor fear, leaders find reassurance, and funds continue to flow into the opulent lifestyles of warmongers. This is precisely why military parades are avoided in the West. Generally, a country that hosts numerous military parades tends to have a less effective military. A capable fighting force prioritizes training over showmanship; those confident in their abilities have no need for ostentation.

Section 1.1: The Cost of Militarization

The political elite find solace in their hefty investments in military hardware. Having funneled significant resources into these metallic behemoths, they find themselves with no alternative levers of influence. Scientific progress stagnates, regulations are ignored, and foreign aid is non-existent. Other avenues of international sway have deteriorated, and they perceive the world solely through a lens of threats and aggression. To stave off public inquiry into their military spending, they must employ their forces. With a primitive economy and weakened diplomatic channels, their motivations for foreign intervention are rooted in imperialism rather than genuine need. Russia engages in civil wars in developing nations rather than preventing them, as the benefits lie in exploiting unstable regimes rather than fostering trade with stable democracies, a lesson the USA learned over time. Russia lacks the long-term vision for economic relationships, opting instead for immediate gains through conflict.

As a result, they engage in warfare, but selectively against those they consider weaker. The Russian strategy is not driven by principle but by territorial gain, resources, and prestige. Their choice of conflicts is calculated—simple, swift, and likely to be overlooked by the international community.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Consequences of Underestimation

Chapter 2: The Unraveling of Illusions

The first video titled "The Struggles of the Russian Military in Ukraine" provides insight into the challenges faced by the Russian military during its operations in Ukraine, highlighting the discrepancies between perceived and actual capabilities.

As time progresses, the military apparatus falters. Eventually, they confront an adversary they underestimated, reminiscent of the US experience in Vietnam and the numerous empires that faltered in Afghanistan. For Russia, this adversary is Ukraine. A toxic blend of racism and arrogance spurred the conflict, underestimating the resolve and capability of Ukrainians.

At this juncture, the façade crumbles under pressure. Poorly trained units collapse when challenged, and armored divisions that once intimidated civilians are dismantled by determined and skilled infantry. The Russian narrative of invincibility begins to falter.

The first failure in the invasion results from something as basic as neglected tires. Due to inadequate maintenance and low-quality contracts, trucks meant to deliver ammunition, food, and fuel are left stranded. Subsequently, tanks that were supposed to withstand Western anti-tank fire are lost daily. Aircraft, touted as advanced and elusive, are shot down by contemporary MANPADS. Artillery, intended to dominate, struggles to deliver munitions as the opposition boasts superior accuracy and range.

The latest and possibly final failure involves missile capabilities. Drones and missiles, once deemed a significant threat, have become mere nuisances. Out of sixty missile launches, only one achieved its target. Day after day, the failures accumulate. Even the highly praised hypersonic missiles prove to be ineffective.

But where does the blame lie?

The public has witnessed the parades and is aware of the proclaimed greatness of the nation. The leader evades accountability, and the ministers surrounding him remain insulated from scrutiny. The heroic generals are beyond reproach, and the warmongers are indistinguishable among them. The populace cannot be blamed either, as that would imply they possess agency—an idea fundamentally opposed to a dictatorship. Thus, the blame shifts to the intelligentsia, the bourgeois.

The second video titled "The Russian Way of Warfare" examines the strategies and tactics employed by Russia in its military engagements, shedding light on the underlying doctrines that shape its approach.

In an attempt to redirect the blame for failures, Russia has begun arresting missile scientists, a slow-motion suicide for its population that will take decades to rectify. Even those not directly targeted will be cautious about publishing their findings, recognizing the substantial risks involved. Russia's already compromised academic landscape will continue to lag behind the global community.

The ticking clock of consequences is undeniable.