Russia`s war on Ukraine: from ontological insecurity to postmodern neo-totalitarianism1

This paper explores in the multifaceted reasons behind Russia’s offensive against Ukraine in 2022, going beyond conventional explanations of geopolitical struggle and the Putin regime’s fear of democratization. This essay primarily explores the less-explored notion that war is an intrinsic component of Vladimir Putin’s project for Russia. This paper argues that the war in Ukraine served not only as a strategic maneuver to gain domestic support and bolster Putin’s regime but also as a vehicle for advancing Putin’s imperial vision. To understand why Kremlin act as it acts, we need to examine the ideological foundations that have been instrumental in shaping Russian society’s perception of Ukraine. Furthermore, we explore here how the war in Ukraine has expedited significant societal changes in Russia, potentially paving the way for the regime’s collapse and the restructuring of the Russian state.