Younger generation must be ready to die in wars, says journalist Vitaliy Portnikov

Imperialism, the deep-seated desire to expand a nation's influence and territory, is a fundamental aspect of Russian political culture, according to Ukrainian journalist and publicist Vitaliy Portnikov. He asserts that even Russians integrated into societies like Latvia cannot become part of the Latvian political nation. Portnikov challenges the notion that Russians are a "slave nation," stating that the war initiated by Putin reflects the mood of Russian society itself, which has always harbored a desire for expansion.

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The younger generation simply needs to be told to be ready to die in wars.

"The younger generation simply needs to be told to be ready to die in wars," Portnikov stated in an interview with Delfi, emphasizing that imperialist thinking will not disappear in the foreseeable future. He draws a parallel between Iran's actions against the U.S. and Ukraine's actions against Russia, describing both as natural responses in wartime. A militarily weaker nation, he explains, attempts to exploit the vulnerabilities of a stronger opponent to maintain its resistance and existence.

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Imperialist thinking – the deep-seated desire to expand a nation's influence and territory – is the foundation of Russian political culture.

Regarding the nuclear arms race, Portnikov notes that while Iran may not have the capacity to produce nuclear weapons, it possesses the necessary materials. He mentions that a former U.S. Director of National Intelligence suggested that claims about Iran's nuclear program were provocations. However, he acknowledges that no one disputes Iran's possession of enriched uranium. Portnikov also touches upon alleged threats from Iranian officials regarding nuclear warheads, though he questions the reliability of such statements.

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Iran in a war with the U.S. is essentially acting the same way as Ukraine in a war with Russia.