In 1869, Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote the following in a notebook: “And indeed this is the odd thing that is continually happening: just when someone appears who really has something to say, who really has discovered some thought, some new shade of meaning in life and is burning with a desire to communicate this to others, then without fail the first words he thinks up are those which have been exhausted and trampled underfoot for centuries; he throws away his chance by using ready-made formulas, and instead of marching straight ahead he slides back into the old ruts.”

Dostoevsky’s words ring as true today as they did over 150 years ago. In Russia’s war with Ukraine, we see Dostoevsky’s statement play out time and time again. Russia claims to be fighting for “freedom and democracy,” yet it relies on the same tired rhetoric and outdated methods that have been used countless times before. This method of warfare is not only ineffective, but it also does a disservice to the Russian people.

Methods of Warfare
In order for any war to be fought, there must be a clear objective. Without a clear objective, a war will only result in needless bloodshed and destruction. For Russia, its objective in the war with Ukraine is to reestablish control over Crimea and eastern Ukraine. However, Russia has been unsuccessful in achieving this objective. In fact, the war has only served to alienated Ukrainians even further from Russia.

One of the reasons why Russia has been unsuccessful in its war against Ukraine is because it has relied too heavily on outdated methods of warfare. For example, Russia has placed a great deal of emphasis on propaganda rather than actual fighting. It has also attempted to use economic pressure as a weapon, but this has only served to further damage Russia’s own economy. In addition, Russia has made minimal use of ground troops, instead relying on air strikes and artillery barrages. This approach has done little more than level entire city blocks and increase civilian casualties.

A New Approach?
What Russia needs is a new approach to its war with Ukraine. One that takes into account Dostoevsky’s words and strives to find new “thoughts [and] new shades of meaning in life.” To achieve this, Russia must first abandon its reliance on outdated methods of warfare. It must also start listening to what Ukrainians are actually saying instead of trying to force its own narrative onto them. Only then can Russia hope to achieve its objectives in the war with Ukraine.

Dostoevsky’s words are as relevant today as they were over 150 years ago. In Russia’s war with Ukraine, we see Dostoevsky’s statement play out time and time again. Russia claims to be fighting for “freedom and democracy,” yet it relies on the same tired rhetoric and outdated methods that have been used countless times before. This method of warfare is not only ineffective, but it also does a disservice to the Russian people. If Russia is to achieve its objectives in the war with Ukraine, it must first abandon its reliance on outdated methods of warfare and start listening to what Ukrainians are actually saying.’