This is an example of the type of compromise that has been common among employees of the Kremlin's propaganda machine for a long time - individuals who valued the stable employment and creative challenges, even if they did not agree with the mission of their workplace. Recently, Likin, who had been the art director for Channel 1, the Russian state television network known for its propaganda, resigned in response to President Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Likin stated that he was not a politician, but the invasion made him realize he was now part of a harmful agenda. He noted that in Russia, television is primarily for those who do not seek alternative sources of information, often due to a lack of education or analysis skills. The invasion of Ukraine has caused some Russians who worked for the government to sever ties with it, indicating that the Kremlin is facing challenges in maintaining unity in society during the war. Thousands of people have been arrested for protesting against the invasion of Ukraine, with tens of thousands fleeing the country. On Wednesday, Anatoly Chubais, Putin's climate envoy, became the first senior government official to resign since the invasion began on Feb 24. There have also been four high-profile resignations at Russia's state television channels, which are crucial in Putin's control over domestic politics. Marina Ovsyannikova, a Channel 1 staff member, made a powerful protest by interrupting a live news broadcast to display an anti-war poster. Other resignations, like Likin's, have been more quiet, revealing the unrest within Putin's system and highlighting the significant influence of television in shaping public perception of the war. Zhanna Agalakova, a Channel 1 correspondent who resigned recently, described her colleagues as clinically depressed in the current situation. Many thoughtful individuals are feeling their own culpability, with no way out. Merely seeking forgiveness is insufficient. Despite the decreased influence of Russia's national television networks due to the emergence of YouTube and social media, they remain the primary news source for the public. Approximately two-thirds of Russians relied on state television for news last year, a decrease from 90% in 2014, according to surveys conducted by the Levada Center. State television channels have presented Russians with a portrayal of the conflict that contrasts sharply with the Western perspective, depicting Russians as heroes akin to their role in World War II, bringing liberation to Ukrainian territories occupied by neo-Nazis funded by the West. Images of deceased civilians and destroyed homes are falsely labeled as either fake or the result of Ukrainians attacking their own people. According to a Channel 1 reporter, local residents in Mariupol claim that the Ukrainian military is intentionally targeting residential buildings, while others believe nationalists were instructed to inflict as much damage as possible before retreating. Polls suggest that most Russians believe in the narrative presented on their television screens, which portrays the war as a continuation of longstanding grievances against the West. Despite some journalists leaving their positions, many state television reporters continue to amplify the message of Russia fighting for its right to exist. Former NTV anchor Liliya Gildeyeva admitted to compromising her beliefs before realizing the extent of her actions once the war began. She stated that when you start to give in to yourself gradually, you may not realize how deep the consequences will be. The shock of the war has prompted tens of thousands of Russians to leave the country in recent weeks, boarding planes to destinations like Turkey and Armenia. Among those leaving are journalists, activists, tech workers, and young professionals who no longer see a future for themselves in Russia. Even some members of Russia's elite, such as Chubais, the Kremlin's climate envoy, have left the country due to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has confirmed Chubais' resignation, noting that he was considered one of the few liberal officials left in Putin's government. His key role in economic reforms in the 1990s made him unpopular among many Russians. It remains uncertain whether discontent among some of the elite could pose a threat to Putin's government. Likin, a former art director at Channel 1, believes those willing to resign over their principles are a small minority in Russia. Agalakova, a former correspondent at Channel 1, criticized her ex-colleagues who chose to stay, stating that many do not work for a greater cause. "People have responsibilities such as family and loans that they need to fulfill in order to survive. Those who leave their jobs at state television, especially if they speak out, face an uncertain future. Agalakova, who had been a correspondent based in Paris, mentioned that some of her acquaintances stopped communicating with her after she left. Likin, on the other hand, plans to remain in Russia and continue his career as an architect. He expressed willingness to return to television only if it changes its agenda to be more life-affirming. Government-sponsored surveys suggest that most Russians support Putin's invasion, although analysts believe that people may not answer truthfully during times of war. Agalakova now realizes that years of propaganda on Russian television have contributed to the preparation for war by distorting Russians' perception of their country's World War II sacrifice into endorsement of the Kremlin's current policies." Agalakova stated that the mention of Nazism in Ukraine by the Kremlin elicits immediate reactions from society. She described this as a deceitful and shameless tactic. Due to the propaganda, Russians who are skeptical of television have limited sources for accurate news. Echo of Moscow radio station and TV Rain television channel have been shut down, and access to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram has been blocked. Alexander Nevzorov, a well-known journalist, is under criminal investigation for sharing information about the Russian bombing of Mariupol on his Instagram page. The most recent attempt to instill fear in critics of the war involves a new law that can result in up to 15 years in prison for going against the official narrative of the conflict in Ukraine. Denis Volkov, from the Levada polling centre, believes that the true test of Russian public opinion will come as economic hardships caused by sanctions are felt. Despite this, Volkov thinks that the Kremlin's narrative of the West trying to undermine Russia through Ukraine and Russia defending its people abroad has been firmly established in the minds of television viewers and is unlikely to change soon. Many Russians tend to accept news that aligns with the television narrative and reject what doesn't, regardless of its truthfulness.