What is still taking shape in the Kremlin's thinking is already being voiced by its chief television propagandist, Vladimir Solovyov. Recently, he proposed relocating residents of Russia's frontline regions to other parts of the country that remain relatively safe. His argument followed the standard Kremlin propaganda script: winter is approaching, Ukraine may target Russia's energy infrastructure, the so-called "kill zone" has expanded, and other familiar warnings.
This is where the proposal becomes particularly revealing. Unsurprisingly, Solovyov does not suggest protecting people by ending the war or withdrawing Russian troops. His solution is far simpler: remove residents from the areas where the Kremlin itself created the disaster and resettle them in Siberia, the Urals, the Volga region, or the Russian Far East.
"Once the front line moves back, we will rebuild everything, and people will return to their homes," Solovyov promises. At the same time, he argues that "we are wasting our workforce while watching people live under extremely difficult conditions. There should be a state resettlement program—not temporary accommodation, but proper housing. Especially since we have so many newly built apartments that, for various reasons, cannot be sold."
