For all the drama of what is happening in Ukraine, we must understand that the real front in defense of Russians (as well as Russian speakers, and indeed everyone) today runs through central Moscow.
And right now, on that front (on the line located at "Okhotny Ryad, Building 1"), Russians have suffered a tragic defeat. Not just a defeat, in fact, but one bound up with national humiliation. A bill has passed its first reading stating: Russians are forbidden from choosing the mayors of the cities they live in.
"Russians are too stupid," said the State Duma.
"Russians are too irresponsible," said the State Duma.
"Russians must submit and obey. They are not allowed to make decisions," said the State Duma.
"People get tired of elections; people do not want elections," said some traitor and scumbag, and the State Duma backed him.
I say this without any sarcasm: this is a real and profound tragedy. The Russian people were humiliated and insulted today. And there was no one to defend them.