Originally Posted by MaxQ

Very good article. I wish all would read it. (though most won't, it's too long and has some critical comments regarding some who can not be criticized)

For the curious, research Ivan Ilyan and Alexander Dugin. Two Russian fascist thinkers who have had an influence on Putin. (he even had Ilyan dug up and reburied on Russian soil, complete with his Orthodox mystic alongside).
It seems Putin has evolved a picture of Russian National Purity and forever victim hood. Russia is Forever the Innocent.
As Hill states in the article, his views and plans have been more and more public since at least 2007. He views Ukraine as Russian, so as the leader of Russia only he should speak for them. Borrowing from Stalin as far back as the 30's, any who dispute his world view (which is profoundly fascist) is a Fascist. Ergo, he is always fighting Fascists, whomever they may be. A neatly intellectually closed loop.
Russian "fake news" has had a profound effect on vast groups of people throughout the world. Whether through social media or through news items planted via websites, bloggers, and conventional media distribution, attitudes have been shaped regarding thinking about Russian History, it's neighbors, Democracy, immigration/refugees, race, and positions of Politicians and Political parties. Russian disinformation was active during the leadup to the vote on Brexit. The United Kingdom split from the EU was a tremendous victory for Russia. Use similar logic regarding the last 5 years or so about rancor that has built in EU relationships, NATO, and US-Europe relations and you have some idea of the damage that has been done (and is ongoing).
There was an old Unionizing anti scab song back in the day. (Pete Seeger amongst others recorded it )
Titled "Which Side Are You On" . It's time for many people to look inward, reflect a bit, and answer that question to themselves.