Journalist Elsa Vidal argues that while Russian society is prepared for peace, the government is not, as outlined in her new book addressing Russian public opinion on the war in Ukraine.
In an interview surrounding her newly published book, journalist Elsa Vidal discusses the disconnect between the perceptions of Russian society and the political narrative propagated by the government. Vidal is known for her expertise on Russia, having previously served as the chief editor for the Russian language at RFI and as an international columnist for BFM. Her book, 'Que pensent les Russes?', seeks to answer the pressing question of what the Russian populace truly thinks about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the values affecting their society.
Vidal highlights a significant gap between the traditional values embraced by the Russian authorities since 2010 and the actual societal attitudes that may contradict those values. She points out that many commonly held beliefs about Russian conservatism do not reflect the realities on the ground, suggesting that contemporary Russian society is more liberal and open to peace than the leadership may acknowledge. This presents a complex situation where the public's desire for change clashes with a government narrative that emphasizes tradition and conservatism.
The implications of her findings are profound as they suggest that while the general population yearns for peace and change, the vested interests of the political elite may hinder progress toward resolution in the ongoing conflict. Vidal’s insights reflect a growing body of work that seeks to understand the undercurrents of Russian public opinion amid turmoil, challenging readers to rethink preconceived notions about the Russian state and its citizens' desires amidst a protracted crisis.
