CSKA Rostov fans' support for soldiers raises eyebrows amidst war

The CSKA Rostov fan club decided to support Russian soldiers by purchasing personal hygiene items for them. As part of this "generous" action, club members delivered as many as seven packs of wet wipes and two packs of liquid soap.

Seven packs of wet wipes and two packs of liquid soap – the support that was supposed to boost the morale and personal hygiene of the soldiers. It’s hard not to get the impression that it's more of a symbolic gesture that won’t change much in the tough conditions of service. But it's the thought that counts, right?

The CSKA Rostov fan club demonstrated generosity by providing these essential products. Maybe soap and wipes do not constitute a revolution in the soldiers' daily lives, but at least the fan club can tick off their social action on their to-do list.

Although the initiative seems absurd to most commenting on platform X, it can inspire other fan groups and organisations. But is it actual support from Russian fans for their army, or more of an attempt to improve the image of their club? It’s hard to say.

This whole action shows that being a fan is not just cheering for the team at the stadium but also getting involved in activities for others. Although, in this case, the support was limited to a few packs of wipes and soap, it could be a step towards bigger and more meaningful initiatives—or at least that's what the fan club members might imagine.

In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, such gestures seem insufficient. Since February 2022, when Russia started the invasion of Ukraine, the needs at the front and among the civilian population have been enormous. There is a shortage of basic medical supplies, food, and shelter. Faced with such challenges, the initiative of the CSKA Rostov fan club can be perceived as an attempt to create a good impression without a real impact on the situation.