In another time these jokes would elicit laughter. But during the grief the Russians have inflicted and outrage that they have aroused in Ukrainians, these jokes should be at the very least, inappropriate, but definitely insensitive.
However, the source for practically all of them is Ukraine itself or Russia: Aman stands in Moscow’s Red Square with a sign which reads, “Down with the bloody madman.” Two FSB agents are ready to arrest him when the man protests, “I’m referring to Zelensky of course.” The FSB men counter, “Yeah, yeah, we all know who all of you are talking about.”
How many Russian soldiers does it take to take Kyiv? Don’t know? Neither does Putin.
The ghost of Stalin appears to Putin at night and Putin asks, “Why isn’t the war going as it should?” Stalin advises, “Send five million troops to their death in Ukraine and paint the Kremlin blue.” Putin asks, “Why blue?”
Dark, political humour has been an integral part of the Russian national mindset for generations. It had its roots during the repressive Soviet era, matured and presents itself now with suppressed anger and stoic resignation aimed at the one to blame – Putin.
(Pikemalt saab lugeda Eesti Elu 9. detsembri 2022 paber- ja digilehest)
