Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump, Vance goes very badly

Post Reply New Topic

Something else to note about Russia apologists is the psychological aspect of it. Not all Russia apologists have the same reasons, but many share similarities. (And much of this applies to many many others). The Russia apologist will not change their mind, and any concession is downplayed. Any refutation on one front leads to changing to another tactic to Blame The Victim (Ukraine is corrupt, Ukraine is authoritarian, Ukraine is racist, etc).

Regular misguided people will hear out arguments made in good faith, unless they have personal insecurities that prevent them from admitting fault. Unlike them, Russia Apologists denigrate Ukraine, not because they actually find Ukraine to be remarkably contemptible or deserving of suffering than any number of other countries. No, they have other geopolitical priorities which require minimizing support for Ukraine.
Maybe they are a small-government libertarian who wants to oppose anything that might cause the government to spend money. Maybe they are a New Wave Fascist who wants to bring back the old Law of the Jungle world order, where countries can do whatever the hell they want, because they are Just Protecting Their National Interests. Maybe they are a Trump supporter who has attached their ego to whatever position their Orange Golden Calf is spouting. Maybe they are simply a passive "apolitical" conservative who tries to make people care less about such things, because they personally do not feel for Ukraine and find the consequences of supporting Ukraine to be Annoying.

There are any number of possibilities. But remember, you cannot persuade them on Ukraine, because you are not addressing the roots of why they believe what they believe. Indeed, they benefit from sowing uncertainty and confusion, because neutrality on Ukraine benefits the Oppressor. It's no coincidence it parallels the tactics of oil and tobacco companies when they needed to sow doubt about science. Those who argue in good faith try to create clarity, those arguing from a place of base self-interest are fine with everyone being confused and frustrated as long as they don't work against those interests.

In my country, and I believe in many countries, there are also such incidents. That doesn't mean Russia should invade us or anyone.

In my country, and I believe in many countries, there are also such incidents. That doesn't mean Russia should invade us or anyone.