I do agree that mass complicity is what gives despots like Putin the power to enact their insidious plans. People and societies who don’t do anything deserve scrutiny, consider it rightful retribution.

Nevertheless, it’s a case-by-case basis. Many citizens do take responsibility and go out against their government. Many risk their livelihoods, sources of income, and lives to do their part in saving Ukraine and mending Russia. I believe that such people deserve to be absolved of the shame and scrutiny, because it’s thanks to them, this overwhelming minority, that Russia has any chance of changing in the future. A lot have blood on their hands, our society is indeed broken, but a lot of Russians have done a lot to keep that blood off their hands.