One reason, maybe not the only one, could be that they’re being told it’s all lies or in any case untrustworthy reports, or hugely exaggerated. I’ve seen many examples of this.

Possibly. But why does this need to be said? How is it relevant here? What does it offer?

I am not very interested in echo chambers, thanks.

I honestly don’t know why some on here seem to think that any criticism is a defense of Russia. I did not say anything in defense of Russia but assumptions were made regardless.

Indeed, it was a rhetorical question. And it’s ok, I wasn’t expecting my comment to be well received, I was just hoping that at least some people reading this would ask themselves why Russia triggers Cold War reflexes and what those reflexes mean. I still hope for some diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine and the demonizing of one’s enemies only serves war.

I think you will do well to do with less certainties and interrogate the very essence of the concept of the “free world”, a term introduced in the Cold War to demonize communism and basically any challenge to US hegemony. Unfortunately todays polemical and self righteous western liberalism plays right into the hands of the alt-right and fascists in more ways than one. I personally worry more for what is happening in the West right now than what is happening in Russia/Ukraine, because the West is a lot more powerful and is itching for a larger military confrontation, while liberalism continues to fail more frequently back home except in minor wins on identity politics. In this climate I find it disturbing when people dig up Cold War terminology to creat camps and draw lines in the sand.

This is part of the problem. That feeling of unexamined moral superiority that I am much afraid will lead to the downfall of western liberalism, its replacement with local fascists and all out war. But not enough people are willing to listen sadly.

Many atrocities have been committed in the name of the free world, but sure you guys keep with the circlejerk if that makes you feel morally superior

“The free world”? Seriously? It would help to not think of the world only in terms of heroes and villains.