How the kremlin gave up russian science for war
The russian government, in search of funds for the war, has decided to significantly cut funding for major scientific projects. Billions of rubles that were meant to establish new state research centers and purchase equipment for existing ones will now be redirected.
▫️ For years, russia has exploited the “achievements” of soviet propaganda, inflating the significance of russian science on the global stage. In the first year of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, kremlin dictator vladimir putin promised russians a “great leap” in science, promoting the idea that russian science could thrive autonomously from the West, despite sanctions and international isolation.
▫️ In reality, russian science is in a dire state. Academic activity in the russianfFederation has become increasingly dependent on political decisions made by the authorities. Over the past 2.5 years, dozens of “unfavorable” scientists have been imprisoned on trumped-up espionage charges. Consequently, a significant “brain drain” has occurred, with many scientists leaving russia in search of better opportunities abroad.
By prioritizing his aggressive ambitions, putin is destroying one of the key pillars sustaining the myth of “russian greatness.”
