Published: Less than 20 min ago
More life sentences and bans on criticizing the military.
Vladimir Putin’s 92 new laws arouse strong reactions.
– It goes back to the 1930s and Stalin, says Russia expert Malcolm Dixelius.
The new Russian laws are meant to eliminate dissent and threaten Ukrainian sympathizers, writes the American think tank Institute for the study of war in an analysis.
Among other things, Russians who engage in “sabotage activities” will be able to be sentenced to life imprisonment. At the same time, those who “desecrate” the military symbol St. George’s ribbon risk three years in prison and the equivalent of approximately SEK 400,000 in fines.
Russia expert Malcolm Dixelius sees clear connections between Putin’s Russia and the former Soviet Union.
– There is a retro feeling about everything. We have seen this before in the Soviet Union with a leader, just like Stalin, who lives in his own universe. Then there comes a day when you lose touch with reality and then there are pathetic laws like this, he says and adds:
– It is the atmosphere of terror that you want to spread among the population.
“The West Lied”
In his New Year’s speech, Putin defended the Russian invasion by saying that “necessary decisions” had been made.
He accused the Western powers of using Ukraine as a tool to destroy Russia while about 20 uniformed men and women stood in the background.
– This year has clearly put everything in its place, separating courage and heroism from betrayal and cowardice. The West was lying about peace and preparing for aggression, he said.
“The last step against martial law”
Malcolm Dixelius was puzzled by the Russian president’s actions.
– All the Russians I know, who are now in exile, are terribly upset about the new laws and this terrible speech. It is weak and unreal. He believes that he is sacrificing himself for the Russians and that they should protect him from being held accountable.
Dixelius fears that the 92 new laws are just the beginning of Putin’s plans for Russia.
– Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov gave a speech in which he said that this is the last step towards martial law. Now it is not a “military special operation” anymore. Now it is a permanent state of war he is preparing for.