A video that celebrates the triumphs of Russian imperialism titled "I am a Russian Occupier" has been shared on Twitter by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the country's military-industrial complex.
"Hello. I am a Russian occupier. This is my profession, it just so happened historically," says the video, tweeted Saturday by Rogozin. It has been viewed more than 3 million times since last week.
Rogozin was one of the first Russian officials to be blacklisted by the U.S. over what the West claims was the illegal takeover of the Black Sea peninsula Crimea in March last year. He was later added to the EU and Canadian sanctions list.
Set against backdrop of cartoon graphics and dramatic music, the video lists the benefits of Russian occupation and the comparative drop in life quality now experienced by those who proclaimed their independence from Moscow.
Siberia, which was conquered by Russia in the sixteenth century, is now home to oil, gas and aluminum-mining industries. Women are no longer traded in exchange for "sable skins," the video's voiceover says.
In the Baltics, Russian occupation brought rapid development to the region, which became known for its production of high-quality radio equipment and cars. But, the video says, "they asked me to leave," and now the region produces only sprats — a type of fish — while some of its residents are cleaning toilets in Europe, the voice adds.
Watch the video here:
Factories, canals and cosmodromes were built in Central Asia after it was occupied by Russia. Now, the region relies on American credit and marijuana production, says the video, noting that part of the Central Asian population travel to Russia in search of employment by their former occupiers.
Ukraine is also mentioned in the video, with the voiceover saying the country went into free fall after gaining independence from Russia and is now heading toward bankruptcy under its new pro-Western "dictatorship."
"Yes, I'm an occupier and I am tired of apologizing for it," says the voiceover, before detailing a list of those who have tried and failed to conquer Russia — including French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
It also says that Russians don't need Western "freedoms" or "democracy," while images of the detention camp Guantanamo Bay and the rainbow flag associated with gay rights flash across the screen.
"I politely ask you for the last time, don't mess with me! I build peace, I love peace, but I know how to fight better than anyone. Sincerely, your Russian occupier," concludes the almost 3-minute long video.
The U.S. military this week estimated about 12,000 Russian soldiers are supporting pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied allegations it is militarily involved in the region.
