Who is the Russian Guy in Modern Warfare?
The question “Who is the Russian guy in Modern Warfare?” has a multi-layered answer because the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare franchise features several prominent Russian characters, both heroes and villains. However, the most iconic and impactful Russian figure is undoubtedly Vladimir Makarov. He is a ruthless Ultrantionalist leader and the primary antagonist of the original Modern Warfare trilogy, and he was rebooted for the modern Modern Warfare series. While other Russian characters play important roles, Makarov stands out as the face of Russian antagonism in the series. It’s critical to distinguish him from other Russian figures, such as General Roman Barkov, the main antagonist of the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot. This article aims to clarify who the key Russian characters are, with a deep dive into the complex character of Makarov, his motives, and his impact on the Modern Warfare narrative.
Vladimir Makarov: The Architect of Chaos
Makarov’s Origins and Rise to Power
Vladimir Makarov is not merely a soldier; he is a highly intelligent, cunning, and deeply ideological individual who believes in his own warped vision of Russian nationalism. Originally, Makarov was a protege of Imran Zakhaev, the leader of the Ultranationalist party and a primary antagonist in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Makarov’s path to becoming a key antagonist started when he saved Zakhaev’s life, earning him a significant position within the Ultranationalist ranks. This event essentially set him on a course that led to numerous acts of terrorism and widespread destruction. Makarov operates from the shadows for a lot of the Modern Warfare story and manipulates events from behind the scenes.
Makarov’s Role in the Modern Warfare Timeline
Makarov’s influence extends throughout the Modern Warfare series. In Call of Duty 4, he exists as a background figure within Zakhaev’s organization. He then graduates to a secondary antagonist in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, where his actions instigate a war between the United States and Russia. Finally, he steps into the role of the main antagonist in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, driving the plot and bringing the original trilogy to its dramatic conclusion.
“No Russian”: The Infamous Airport Massacre
Perhaps Makarov’s most infamous act is the “No Russian” massacre at Zakhaev International Airport in Modern Warfare 2. This mission requires the player, as an undercover CIA agent named Joseph Allen, to participate in a mass shooting of unarmed civilians. Makarov’s goal is to frame the attack as an American operation, thereby provoking war between the United States and Russia. He says the chilling phrase “Remember, no Russian,” which signals to the Ultranationalists that no Russian should be spoken during the attack, which helps to further frame the massacre on America. This event is a turning point in the series, demonstrating Makarov’s ruthlessness and willingness to sacrifice anyone, including his own people, to achieve his goals.
Makarov’s Motivations and Aims
Makarov’s primary motivation is to trigger a full-scale war between Russia and the Western powers, particularly the United States. He is driven by a fervent hatred of the West and believes that Russia should reclaim its former glory through military conflict. He sees Western nations as “traitors” and believes they are a threat to Russia’s sovereignty. He is not simply seeking power; he desires to reshape the geopolitical landscape to his ultranationalist ideology. By exploiting existing tensions, Makarov escalates conflicts and manipulates nations into fighting each other to fulfill his ambitions.
The Downfall of Makarov
Ultimately, Makarov’s reign of terror is brought to an end through the efforts of Captain John Price and Yuri, both members of Task Force 141. These characters pursue Makarov relentlessly as vengeance for the chaos that he created and his role in the death of John “Soap” MacTavish. Their pursuit culminates in the assassination of Vladimir Makarov as a direct response to all the devastation he created during the war.
Other Key Russian Characters
General Roman Barkov
General Roman Barkov is the main antagonist of the rebooted 2019 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Unlike Makarov, Barkov is a corrupt military figure who abuses his power and controls chemical weapons, making him a menace in a more contemporary setting. Barkov is responsible for many war crimes and is not directly connected to the events involving Makarov, setting him up as a separate threat that still embodies a similar kind of Russian militarism that Makarov espouses.
J-12
J-12 is a supporting antagonist in the 2019 Modern Warfare. He is a Russian soldier under Barkov’s command, and part of J Group. This character shows another side of the Russian military, as one of the forces directly participating in Barkov’s atrocities.
Viktor Reznov
Viktor Reznov is a prominent Russian character from Call of Duty: World at War and Black Ops. He is a Soviet soldier in the Second World War, known for his charismatic and vengeful persona. While Reznov is not part of the Modern Warfare storyline, he is a significant Russian character in the Call of Duty franchise overall and displays some of the nationalist characteristics that Makarov uses to manipulate and gain power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Makarov’s known aliases?
Makarov is referenced as Vladimir R. Makarov in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Vladimir A. Makarov in Modern Warfare 3, but he is most commonly known simply as Vladimir Makarov.
2. Why is Makarov considered the most evil character in Modern Warfare?
Makarov’s ruthlessness and willingness to sacrifice civilians, instigate global conflict, and betray his own allies make him the most diabolical villain in the Modern Warfare franchise. His actions are a catalyst for widespread destruction and death.
3. What does “No Russian” mean?
“No Russian” is a phrase that Makarov uses to instruct his henchmen not to speak Russian during the Zakhaev International Airport massacre, in order to make it appear as though Americans were responsible for the attack.
4. Who killed Makarov in the original Modern Warfare timeline?
Makarov was assassinated by John Price and Yuri in Modern Warfare 3 as a final act of vengeance.
5. What was Makarov’s main objective?
Makarov’s primary goal was to ignite a war between the United States and Russia to destabilize global power structures. This reflects his ultranationalist desires for a powerful Russia.
6. Why did Makarov betray Joseph Allen in the “No Russian” mission?
Makarov kills Allen at the end of the airport massacre because he knew Allen was an American agent. His intention was to ensure that Russia blamed the US for the attack, precipitating the war.
7. How does Makarov manipulate General Shepherd?
Makarov works in tandem with the traitorous General Shepherd to manipulate global conflicts and sow discord. This cooperation amplifies the chaos caused throughout the series.
8. Is there any connection between Makarov and the 2019 Modern Warfare?
The 2019 Modern Warfare is a reboot, and while it introduces new antagonists like General Barkov, the presence and influence of Makarov is present and he is reintroduced to this new timeline in the sequel games.
9. Does Makarov appear in the rebooted Modern Warfare series?
Yes, Makarov has been reintroduced to the rebooted timeline as the main antagonist in the most recent title in the series Modern Warfare III.
10. What is the relationship between Makarov and Imran Zakhaev?
Makarov was a protege of Imran Zakhaev and was granted power and status after saving Zakhaev’s life.
11. What happened to Soap MacTavish as a result of Makarov’s actions?
Soap MacTavish was killed during a mission to capture Makarov in Modern Warfare 3. His death was a significant plot point and motivated Price and Yuri further.
12. Why did Russia invade America in Modern Warfare 2?
Russia invaded the United States in Modern Warfare 2 as a direct consequence of Makarov’s staged attack at the airport, which was designed to make it appear that the United States was responsible.
13. How did Makarov survive the events of Modern Warfare 2?
Makarov managed to escape at the end of Modern Warfare 2 when Soap and Price escape and this sets the stage for his appearance in Modern Warfare 3.
14. What is the significance of the “No Russian” level?
The “No Russian” mission is one of the most controversial and impactful in video game history, demonstrating the lengths to which Makarov was willing to go to instigate a global war and displaying the graphic results of terrorism.
15. Was Ghost working for Makarov?
The information you provided that “Ghost was a spy for Makarov” is not present anywhere in the lore of the series and this should be considered a misinformation.