The cynical reality is, they are giving their lives for nothing, Putin refusing to admit russia has lost this war will do nothing for anyone but prolong the suffering and death for russians.

This is probably why the amount of bullshit and self-deception is so high in russia, once you look that reality in the eyes as a russian fighter it must shatter you.

There is nothing you are fighting for because no matter how well you do the war is already lost.

The simple fact remains that if you are a russian soldier you will die a meaningless and brutal death in no man’s land fighting because your bullshitting leader couldn’t admit the war could not be won. How can you be patriotic towards your country while looking that fact in the face?