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Despite the weight of these numbers, Jake elaborated on how Putin, as a dictator, can mask the impacts of such losses. He suggested that by controlling the narrative and resorting to targeted military incentives, Putin has managed the domestic repercussions of these casualties and maintained a semblance of support among the Russian populace.
The Role of Public Sentiment and Media Manipulation
Throughout the discussion, the topic of public sentiment in Russia and its relationship to the war's narrative was pivotal. Jake pointed out that Russian citizens, despite witnessing the realities of the war and its impacts through social media, are still largely motivated by nationalism. This sense of patriotism complicates their ability to fully grasp the dire implications of Putin's decisions.