Not sure this is really what anyone had in mind when sanctioning Russia? The maintainers probably aren't pleased but can't see a direct route from there to Putin's opinion of the war in Ukraine.
The former aims to punish and worsen the situation of the other country, the latter aims to reduce the attack vector and improve the situation of the US.
There are lots of good people there. It’s too bad there is a crazy person at the helm.
It is also evident that someone quite far from Russia HAS ALREADY BEEN coerced to make that unannounced change, but you try really hard to look the other way. “Those Linux nerds” were shown who's the boss in the room when it comes to “important matters”. Don't you feel that the form of that change itself is a sign of silent disobedience, and you are expected to participate in public outcry forcing further developments instead of just bending over willingly?
It is totally possible that there was some direct intelligence that those accounts can be used in some clandestine operation in the future, probably without even asking some of the owners. After all, spies are #1 information source to other spies, they run the global spectacle together. Still, accepting “this is secret” as an excuse, you are already accepting defeat.
> were shown who's the boss in the room when it comes to “important matters”.
Or Linus just doesn't like Russia(ns)? Why is there a need for some conspiracy?
Yes, probably the guy who holds up the number "3" using his thumb, index, and middle finger shouldn't be allowed in the Super Secret Vault. But the dude right behind him who has "I'm Russian" tattooed on his forehead shouldn't be allowed in either, and he's a bit easier to spot.
Then they should be reminded that their military is actively using Linux to kill Ukrainian civilians https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_Linux