- ENG.UATV.UA - A La Une - 26/Jun 15:01

Challenging the Myth of ‘Russia’s Invincibility’

Moscow and its allies have long pushed the narrative that Russia is unbeatable. But who is behind this myth, and what purpose does it serve? This idea of Russian invincibility is gaining traction not just in pro-Kremlin outlets but also among some Western politicians and analysts, who either explicitly or subtly suggest that Russia has a unique resilience in war. This kind of rhetoric doesn’t just misrepresent reality — it also influences public perception and policy responses, shaping how societies understand the war and what outcomes they believe are possible. Dive in this topic with Petro Oleshchuk, political scientist, Ph.D, expert at the United Ukraine Think Tank, in his article for The Gaze. First of all, the autor argues that one of the most prominent examples of promoting the myth of Russia’s invincibility came from former U.S. President Donald Trump. In May 2024, Trump stated: “They defeated Hitler and Napoleon. It is a powerful nuclear state with a very intelligent leader. We need to negotiate.” With this, he not only echoed central themes of Russian propaganda but also repeated historical oversimplifications that favor Moscow’s narrative. According to The Washington Post, such remarks reflect the extent of Vladimir Putin’s influence over Trump, who has frequently expressed pro-Russian sentiments—calling Putin a “genius” and a “strong leader.” Trump’s comments align with those of other Western figures who argue against applying too much pressure on Russia. A common refrain is that “Russia cannot be defeated,” as doing so could supposedly trigger a “third world war.” Ironically, Trump has also contradicted his own statements. While claiming Russia defeated Hitler, he officially designated May 8 as Victory Day in World War II and November 11 as the commemoration of the end of World War I—both aligning with U.S. and Allied perspectives, not Russia’s. Secondly, Oleshchuk emphasizes that a central claim made by those who promote the myth of Russia’s invincibility is that nuclear powers cannot be defeated — the argument being that if Russia were to face defeat, it would resort to nuclear weapons. However, this logic doesn’t hold when applied to Russia’s war against Ukraine, which poses no existential threat to the Russian state. Ukraine’s goal is not the destruction of Russia, but the end of its aggression and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty. Victory, in this case, doesn't involve marching on Moscow—it means compelling Russia to withdraw its troops and abandon its neo-imperial agenda. This outcome is realistic. Ukraine has already proven that sustained military resistance can yield results, as seen in the liberation of the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions. Alongside this, diplomatic isolation, economic sanctions, and international legal action continue to erode Moscow’s position. Domestic instability in Russia — from internal elite tensions to public discontent — may also undermine the regime’s capacity to wage war. Above all, continued military aid to Ukraine is essential. It empowers Ukraine not just to defend its territory, but also to carry out effective counterattacks — even beyond its borders, if necessary. Finally, a political scientist comes to the conclusion that the notion of Russia’s invincibility is not a fact, but a deliberate propaganda narrative. It is designed as a psychological weapon, a means of geopolitical intimidation, and a pretext for avoiding hard choices. This myth is promoted not only by Kremlin propagandists but also by some Western leaders who hesitate to take a firm stance. Yet history, current events, and on-the-ground realities make one thing clear: Russia can be defeated. Its so-called invincibility is not a truth, but a convenient illusion embraced by those unwilling to confront it. Read the full article by Petro Oleshchuk on The Gaze: Debunking the ‘Russia Can’t Be Defeated’ Myth Read also: How a Ceasefire — or Its Absence — Could Reshape the West’s Ukraine Strategy The post Challenging the Myth of ‘Russia’s Invincibility’ appeared first on Freedom.