REASONS WHY RUSSIA AND PUTIN ARE BAD:

1. Authoritarian Leadership and Domestic Suppression
Putin’s Role:
-Suppression of political opposition, arrests, and alleged assassinations of critics, such as
Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov.
Russia’s Context:
-Limited political freedoms, media heavily controlled by the state, and crackdowns on
protests and NGOs through "foreign agent" laws.

2. Aggression in Foreign Policy
Putin’s Actions:
-Annexation of Crimea in 2014, condemned as a breach of international law.
-Military intervention in Ukraine since 2022, causing massive casualties, displacement, and global
economic instability.
-Cyberattacks and election interference in other countries, such as the U.S. in 2016.
Russia’s Role:
-Support for authoritarian regimes (e.g., Syria's Bashar al-Assad) and paramilitary groups like the
Wagner Group.
-Destabilization efforts in neighboring countries, including Georgia and Moldova.

3. Human Rights Violations
Putin’s Russia:
-Crackdowns on LGBTQ+ rights, restrictive laws against “propaganda” of non-traditional relationships.
Harsh treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, including in Chechnya.
Broader Context:
-State-sanctioned police brutality, mass arrests, and imprisonment of peaceful protesters and
journalists.

4. Corruption and Economic Inequality
Putin’s Allegations:
-Accusations of personal enrichment, with reports suggesting hidden wealth.
-Close ties with oligarchs who benefit from state resources and contracts.
Russia’s Economy:
-Heavy reliance on oil and gas exports, leaving the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
-Widespread corruption impeding economic development and innovation.

5. Weakening of Global Stability
Putin’s Role:
-Promotion of a multipolar world through alliances with other authoritarian regimes like China and Iran.
-Use of hybrid warfare tactics, such as misinformation campaigns, to sow division in democratic
societies.
Russia’s Actions:
-Involvement in conflicts across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, destabilizing regions and
fueling proxy wars.

6. Environmental Neglect
Putin’s Stance:
-Weak response to climate change, with limited investment in renewable energy and conservation.
-Support for environmentally harmful industries like fossil fuels.
Russia’s Impact:
-Exploitation of natural resources without adequate environmental safeguards, leading to ecological
damage.

7. Suppression of Democratic Institutions
Putin’s Strategy:
-Extending his rule through constitutional amendments, enabling potential leadership until 2036.
-Manipulated elections with accusations of voter fraud and suppression of genuine political opposition.
Russia’s State:
-Judiciary and law enforcement are seen as tools to serve the regime rather than uphold justice.

8. Global Perception as a Pariah State
Under Putin:
-Increased sanctions due to foreign aggression, human rights abuses, and corruption.
-Deterioration of Russia's relationships with Western countries and international organizations.
Resulting Impact:
-Economic isolation, damage to Russia’s global reputation, and reduced soft power.

Conclusion:
Critics argue that under Vladimir Putin, Russia has become synonymous with authoritarianism,
aggression, and corruption, leading to significant harm both domestically and internationally. These
actions have fostered global instability, human suffering, and widespread condemnation.