Russia and Ukraine flashpoint

[Nuvendil]

So the black magic thing is...unusual. but there is a possible angle to consider. Most of the soldiers being sent by Russia into this meat grinder are and will continue to be from the poorer, more rural parts of Russia. Many people in those regions are religiously and culturally traditional and conservative. This black magic stuff, along with some other things they've mentioned are likely meant to stoke anxiety, anger, or fear among these groups. Same reason they're talking about Nazis, the Russian war with the Nazis and their victory in WWII against them is deeply ingrained in their culture through Russia's state media. And most people in these regions only consume state media. Again, stoking the kind of emotions that will keep them willing to abide the deaths of their sons, brothers, and fathers in this war.