For Russians against Ukraine war, Putin has a cruel warning : NPR

The Kremlin doubled down Thursday on recent statements by President Vladimir Putin that Russian society would benefit from what he called a "cleansing" of "scum and traitors" who align with the West in its criticism of the war in Ukraine.The reference evoked terrifying memories of the mass arrests of the Stalin era — when repressions were justified for "cleansing" Soviet society of traitors — and it followed new laws criminalizing criticism of what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.Russia has seen an exodus of political activists, journalists, celebrities and entrepreneurs critical of the war or fearing its consequences.In comments on Wednesday, Putin lashed out at Russians who — the Kremlin leader argued — were "mentally" aligned with the West amid the Ukraine crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via teleconference call on March 3."The Russian people will always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors and simply spit them out like a gnat that accidentally flew into their mouths," Putin said."I am convinced that such a natural and necessary cleansing of society will only strengthen our country, our solidarity, cohesion and readiness to respond to any challenges," he said in remarks that more broadly addressed Russia's efforts to counteract Western sanctions.On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tried to clarify Putin's comments, saying they were directed against Russians who had, in one way or another, left the country in a moment of need."In such difficult times ... That is how this cleansing happens."In the three weeks since Putin's decision to send Russian troops into Ukraine, thousands of Russians have fled their country — heading to Turkey, Georgia, Armenia and elsewhere — both in protest over the military campaign and in fear of a political crackdown.A new Russian law this month began criminalizing the spread of "fake news" or public statements seen as denigrating Russia's armed forces.Since the start of the invasion on Feb. 24, police have detained about 15,000 Russians, mostly at anti-war protests, according to Russian independent human rights group OVD-Info.