Russia Noir – a social portrait in five crimes. The war crimes of the Russian army and the atrocities committed by the occupiers against the civilian population in Ukraine reveal a level of violence that no one in 21st century Europe could have imagined. We are shaken and wonder why so many are willing to participate and why there is not more resistance in Russia.

Even when Putin is no longer in the Kremlin, Russian society will not step back. People who have been humiliated their entire lives and are therefore quick to humiliate others. People who have never experienced that their own lives are protected and respected, and who therefore find it difficult to develop respect and compassion for others. People who have learned that there is no truth that cannot be turned into its opposite by tomorrow.

Julian Hans approaches the interplay of fear, violence, and lies in Russia through the lens of five criminal cases – a brutal gang terrorizes a small town, teenage police murderers become folk heroes, three sisters kill their tyrannical father, a grandson accuses the executioners of his great-grandfather, a torture victim overcomes hatred. He also shows what forces could help break the patterns of violence that have been shaped over generations.

"Stop smiling right now, take the joy off your face. I see you're in a good mood, but that's not how it works here." from a song lyric Russia for the Sad.

Why is there so little resistance against Putin's brutal war? What makes Russian society tick? The historical spiral of violence and lies – and what could break it. From a long-time correspondent. A key text for understanding today's Russia. A poignant panorama, sensitively written and close to the people.