The fascist Christian Orthodox Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), which has been designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States Department of State, published an address to Russia's "Supreme Commander-in-Chief," i.e. President Vladimir Putin, on its Telegram channel on August 31, 2022. The address called for mobilization against what the group described as emerging domestic and foreign threats.
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"The Time Has Come To Fulfill God's Plan For His God-Chosen Russian People... The Life Of One Russian Soldier-Liberator Is More Dear To Us That The Lives Of A Dozen Ukrainian Soldiers""
The post claimed that RIM embodies the true aspirations of the Russian people, which are in line with God's plan. The text read: "The hopes of the Russian people are now closer than ever to the Creator's plans. [...] The time has come to fulfil God's plan for his God-chosen Russian people."
Russia's actions in the war with Ukraine are too humane, argued the group, at the cost of the lives of Russian soldiers. The post read: "Our soldiers reached Kyiv. How many of our fine fellows died there? And suddenly, they were ordered to retreat. The result was [the events at] Bucha and distrust from the local population." It went on to argue that so long as Russia is at war with Nazis, there should be no talk of negotiations, just as there were no negotiations during World War 2. Signing a peace treaty with Nazis is impossible, said the post.
"Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich! An eye for an eye! Blood for blood! We started [this war], and must see it through to the end! The life of one Russian soldier-liberator is more dear to us than the lives of a dozen Ukrainian soldiers, whose psyches were disfigured by Kyiv's propaganda! After such atrocities there should be no negotiations! No prisoners should be taken!" urged the post.
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Russia Must Be "Purged" Of Internal Enemies
In addition, the post called for decisive action in fighting Russia's "internal enemies," including liberals. "Why are there still no tough measures against internal enemies? You yourself identified [these enemies] three weeks ago. You yourself confirmed their existence," read the post.
There are many "liberals" in Putin's circle, claimed the post, naming Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov as an example, "a man who disavows your promises to do everything for victory, a man who makes excuses for blatant criminals like [talk show host Ivan] Urgant, and openly insults true patriots who are proving their loyalty to their homeland with weapons in their hands." The post also named Russian delegation leader at the Russia-Ukraine talks and former Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky, and called for the dismissal of Bank of Russia Chairperson Elvira Nabiullina, saying she is another liberal in Putin's circle. It questioned whether Putin's personal relationship with such individuals is more important that the welfare of the Russian State.
Discussing Peskov, the post asked: "How can you keep close to a man whose aims and views are radically at odds with the interests of the country? Are those who claim you care about friendship more than State interests in fact correct?"
In addition, the text strongly condemned Medinsky's efforts to reach a peace settlement with Ukraine, again urging stronger action in the war, such as issuing an order not to capture Ukrainian soldiers alive, and to carry out a demonstrative strike against Ukrainian General Staff in Kyiv.
The Only Acceptable Outcome Is "Ukraine's Complete And Unconditional Surrender And Subsequent De-Nazification Under [Russia's] Full Control"
Commenting on the 2014 war, the post expressed disappointment with Russia's policies, calling them indecisive and misguided. The post read: "We remember the disappointment of 2014. We remember the half-hearted decisions. We remember the failure to capture the city of Mariupol back then. And how many lives is this decision costing us now? And by the way, why were we willing to waste the lives of our soldiers in storming the Azovstal [steel works facility] and the port, after all this? Why didn't you instead order that we shower the Nazis with napalm, Mr. President? This would have spared the lives of our boys."
The text again stressed that it is high time to "purge the rear" and take decisive action at the front, including a total occupation of Ukraine. It said: "Only [Ukraine's] complete and unconditional surrender and subsequent de-Nazification under our full control [is acceptable]. True, it will be a temporary occupation. There is no need to shy away from the truth. Stop looking for approval in the West, Mr. President! Stop worrying about your image. All the great people of Russia are telling you this!"
Concluding, the post reiterated the call for Putin to carry out "purges" internally, saying: "It is time to start purges, it is time to win the war, it is time to revive Russia! We expect great things from you, Mr. President! Fulfill [these expectations], and we will follow you through fire and steel! But don't dare let us down! You have no right to do so!"
