Abstract
This article shows how the presumed historical importance of ‘unification’ with Crimea ensured Russian public support for its annexation. Based on the analysis of patriotic discourse in Russia, I show how within its frame the terms ‘People’, ‘Russia’ and ‘Motherland’ correspond to sacred non-human beings. The ontological gap between them and humans is mediated by means of national history: created by human subjects, history ultimately belongs to the Russian nation. In this context, loving Russia means ensuring the greatness of Russian history. The historical significance of the annexation made it patriotic, and hence, a desirable course of action.
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