There is a legend in Russia, his name is Girkin, also known as Strelkov. He is a military genius, a nationalist, a leader of ultra-conservatives, and one of the candidates for the 2024 Russian ***. His life was filled with wars, adventures, controversies and tragedies. His goal is to restore Russia to its former glory, reunite Ukraine and Belarus, and resist Western interference and threats. His story reflects the changes, challenges and crises that Russia has experienced over the past three decades, as well as the idiosyncrasies, emotions and ideals of the Russian nation.
Girkin was born in 1969, the son of an officer in the Soviet Red Army. He had a keen interest in military and politics from an early age, and in 1991 he graduated with honors from the Higher Military Academy in Moscow. That same year, the Soviet Union collapsed, and various union republics declared their independence, including Ukraine and Belarus. This is a huge blow to Girkin, who believes that this is a catastrophe for Russia and a conspiracy of the West. He wrote a letter to the then Russian ** Yeltsin, suggesting that he keep the territory of Ukraine and Belarus in Russia in order to safeguard Russia's geosecurity and national interests. He noted that Ukraine and Belarus are important outlets to the sea for Russia and part of Russia's history and culture, and if they are lost, Russia will be isolated and surrounded by the West. His letter may not have been taken seriously by Yeltsin and did not change the course of history, but his prediction proved to be far-sighted more than 30 years later.
Today, we can see that Ukraine and Belarus have become the main points of contention between Russia and the West, as well as Russia's strategic center of gravity. Since 2014, Russia has annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, supported the ** forces in eastern Ukraine, and has broken out several military clashes with Ukraine, resulting in thousands of deaths and **, and also triggered international condemnation and sanctions. Belarus, although it has always been a loyal ally of Russia, but in last year's ** elections, there were also large-scale *** demands**Lukashenko**, and Russia had to come forward to support Lukashenko in order to prevent Belarus from falling to the West. If Russia had been able to keep Ukraine and Belarus in 1991, Russia's territory, status, and security would have been very different. Girkin has never forgotten what he envisioned, and he has been fighting to achieve it.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Girkin began his war career, where he participated as a volunteer in seven wars, some to defend Russian interests, some to fulfill his dreams, and some to challenge the authority of the Kremlin. His record has made him the god of war in Russia, and it has also made him a controversial figure in Russia.
German-Left War. In 1991, Girkin took part in his first war, in the Dezuo region of Moldova, where ethnic Russians demanded independence and engaged in armed conflict with Moldova**. Girkin led an army of volunteers to support the independence movement of the German Left, and eventually, the German Left gained de facto autonomy, but was not recognized by the international community.
Bosnia-Herzegovina war. In 1992, Girkin moved to the Balkans, where the Bosnian Serbs were also waging a brutal war against the Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Croats, trying to create a republika Srpska united with Serbia. Girkin joined the Serb Volunteer Army, fought against the Bosnia-Herzegovina Army and NATO air raids, showed bravery and decisiveness, won the respect and trust of the Serbs, and also considered it necessary to maintain Russian influence in Europe.
3.The First Chechen War. In 1994, Girkin returned to Russia proper after the Chechen Republic's declaration of independence triggered Russia's armed intervention. As a regular military officer, Girkin participated in the repression of Chechnya, but encountered unexpected difficulties and setbacks, and the Russian army suffered heavy losses in Chechnya, and finally had to conclude a ceasefire agreement with Chechnya, recognizing Chechnya's de facto independence. This was a humiliating and painful experience for Girkin, who could not accept the defeat of Russia and could not bear the betrayal of Chechnya.
4.Second Chechen War. In 1999, Girkin again took part in the war against Chechnya, this time with the announcement of the challenge On November 18, Girkin held an urgent press conference in a hotel in Moscow, announcing his decision to participate in Russia in 2024. His move shocked Russia and the world, and also triggered all kinds of speculation and discussion.
5.At the press conference, Girkin did not reveal his campaign platform and political philosophy, but simply said that he believes that Russia is facing an unprecedented internal and external crisis, and needs a capable, courageous, and responsible leader to lead Russia out of the predicament and restore strength. He said that he was such a person, that he had such confidence, that he had such support. He said that he will fight to the end for Russia's national interests, national honor, and people's happiness.
6.Girkin's announcement immediately caused discontent and opposition from the Kremlin. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for Vladimir Putin, said that Girkin's candidacy was a provocation and sabotage, a flouty of Russia's law and order, and a threat to Russia's security and stability. He said that Girkin is an ultranationalist, a warmonger, a traitor, a criminal, he does not deserve to be the ** candidate of Russia, and he should be brought to justice, not left to his own devices.
Girkin's announcement also elicited cheers and encouragement from his supporters and sympathizers. His fans said on social ** that Girkin is Russia's god of war, Russia's savior, and Russia's future, and they will fully support him, follow him, and fight for him. His allies, including some ultra-conservative politicians, organizations, and **, have also said that Girkin is their leader, their spokesman, and their hope, and that they will fight alongside him in the struggle for Russia's revival.
Girkin's announcement has also aroused the attention and concern of the international community. Leaders of some Western countries have said that Girkin's candidacy is a danger and provocation, a mockery of Russia's democracy and human rights, and a threat to international peace and security. Girkin is a fanatical nationalist, a brutal war criminal, a tyrant who ignores international law and rules, they say, and that if he is elected as the ** of Russia, he will bring disaster and terror to the world. They say that they will resolutely oppose him, sanction him, isolate him, stop him.
Girkin's announcement has also aroused the wait-and-see expectations of some neutral and friendly countries. Leaders of some non-Western countries said that Girkin's candidacy is a choice and an opportunity, a manifestation of Russia's pluralism and change, and a challenge to the international order and pattern. Girkin is a charismatic leader, a talented strategist, a visionary reformer, they say, and who, if elected as Russia's leader, will bring new perspectives and impetus to the world. They said that they would respect him, cooperate with him, understand him, and support him.
Girkin's announcement is undoubtedly a sensational event and a fierce game, which will affect the future of Russia and the world. Girkin will face countless difficulties and challenges, and will also have countless opportunities and possibilities. His story continues.