Why Is Russia Being so Brutal in Ukraine?

Author(s): Julia Friedrich, Niklas Masuhr
Journal Title: Political Violence At A Glance
Publisher(s): UC Institute of Global Conflict & Cooperation
Publication Year: 2022

Evidence of war crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine is surfacing. In this Political Violence At A Glance article, Julia Friedrich and CSS' Niklas Masuhr explain why these atrocities are happening. In essence, these brutalities are part of Putin's strategy that aims to establish control by breaking popular - and ultimately political - will. Frustration, weak leadership and the socio-economic composition of the Russian army are additional factors that explain why Russian soldiers commit such violence.

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