Russian ‘Traditional Values’: When Imperial ‘Patriotism’ Is More Important Than Life

Ukraine is engulfed in the flames of war. And at this very moment, the Russian dictator signs Decree No. 809 on “Fundamentals of State Policy for Preserving and Strengthening Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values”.

This document is worth reading carefully. It reveals the essence of the regime better than any analytical text.

According to the decree, these are “moral values” that shape the worldview of Russian citizens, are passed down from generation to generation, and strengthen “civic unity”.

The list of these values includes: life, dignity, human rights, patriotism, service to the Fatherland, family, humanism, mercy, justice…

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

However, the order matters. And it is the order that reveals the true essence: “patriotism” and “service to the Fatherland” are listed before “strong family”, “humanism”, “mercy”, and “justice”.

The State is above the individual. The Fatherland is above the family. Serving the regime is above life.

The conclusion is obvious: this decree is not just a propaganda document. It is an honest acknowledgement of the priorities of a totalitarian system.

When patriotism comes before humanism, mercy, and justice, these are no longer values. This is an instruction to destroy one’s own people.

And the most frightening thing is that the Russian elites have been successful in promoting these “values” and putting them into practice. Millions of people have accepted a hierarchy in which they themselves are merely material for “serving the Fatherland”.