Even the loudest of Vladimir Putin’s threats have fallen silent since Ukraine’s most recent, and largest, attack using drones. According to reports, this attack was aimed at strategic airfields far inside of Russia’s territory. Kremlin threats of retaliation have followed, but little information has been given by the Kremlin about what happened. With escalating tensions, pro-Russian military bloggers are already vocally engaging on multiple platforms. They are calling on the military leadership to be held accountable to protect these critical assets.
According to Ukraine’s aforementioned Air Force, the strike killed or destroyed as many as 13 enemy aircraft. This claim has set off a firestorm among milbloggers. Anyone following the war has rightly been alarmed and angered at the apparent failures in Russia’s defense strategies. This reaction is symbolic to be an important moment for the Kremlin. Perhaps that’s why it is so ill-prepared to handle the increasing power of independent voices in the military space.
A Successful Strike
Reports indicate that Ukraine attempted to strike five airfields but was only successful at two: Olenya and Belaya. Recently released satellite images clearly show destroyed wreckage at these sites, further giving credibility to assertions of a successful raid. Using social media and satellite imagery, an open-source intelligence group called AviVector estimated that 11 bombers and one transport aircraft were lost in the attack.
If true, the implications of this drone strike are deep, especially related to Russia’s nuclear capabilities. As noted by Ruslan Trad, “Many military bloggers are intensely focused on military hardware, strategy, and operational details. The destruction or damage of strategic bombers — a core element of Russia’s nuclear triad — provokes particular outrage.”
The consequences of this attack go well beyond immediate military casualties. The surprise attack has occurred amidst much speculation as to whether the adequacy and effectiveness of Russia’s defense measures and military leadership. Though influential blogger Voyenkor Kotenok was not so forgiving. He even criticized Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for failing to fulfill promises from as far back as April 2021 to construct reinforced shelters for aircraft.
“The result is a strong slap in the face and invaluable experience for the enemy… How did this saving pay off?” – Voyenkor Kotenok
A Growing Critique from Military Bloggers
The impact of the Russian military bloggers Their power has been growing ever since Russia launched its invasion. They provide live coverage, direct from the front lines. Through their lens, we see the devastating toll of war on soldiers, often countering the propaganda offered by state-run media. Other bloggers are more blatant in their efforts to promote Kremlin narratives. Independent pens and tongues are widely and loudly lamenting the failure in military strategy.
Anastasia Kashevarova, a leading RuNet blogger, expressed the mood of her fellow bloggers in the first post I have read on RuNet after the attack. She expressed feelings of despair as she viewed footage of burning planes, stating that it was a symbol of broader failures.
“When I watched the video of our planes burning, everything inside me was burning. I was choking with hurt,” – Anastasia Kashevarova
Kashevarova’s sentiment rings true for many today as we look around and feel beaten down by the obvious chaos surrounding us. She lamented the continued inability to protect critical military assets and called for accountability among military leaders.
“People created and built all this, and now we can’t even preserve it, let alone increase it. When will this disgrace and inaction end?” – Anastasia Kashevarova
Third, Trad points out that Russian military bloggers tend to be receptive to pro-war, nationalist sentiments. They are clearly unafraid to highlight and condemn shortcomings in the military’s behavior. This dualistic perspective enables them to be indispensable as both microphones of the state’s story and megaphones of resistance against the regime.
The Kremlin’s Response and Future Implications
Even pro-government military bloggers are turning against the Kremlin. More than that, the Kremlin appears prepared to tolerate a degree of protest, so long as it does not undermine Putin’s grip on power or his regime’s claim to legitimacy. As Ruslan Trad explains, the Kremlin gets really angry when the bloggers go beyond certain lines that endanger its own stability.
“The Kremlin tolerates criticism that does not undermine Putin’s personal authority… but it cracks down if bloggers become too influential or shift blame to the top.” – Ruslan Trad
Though still serious, any misstep would be a high-stakes gamble for the Kremlin. The ire of bloggers can be a formidable outlet for any public frustration. A lack of restraint in criticism could provoke additional upheaval or result in punishment for those who choose to criticize power.
