I live in Finland, where about five percent of the people are Russian-speakers. Half from the Russia, the other half from Baltics.
My image of them has changed dramatically since 2022. I’ve had a job where I encounter a lot of different low-educated workers, and that has a included several tens of Russian-speakers. There has been precisely one among them that has not been repeating Putin’s talking points.
Nowadays I try to steer clear of everyone with a Russian name because I don’t want to ruin my workday. When they hear that I’ve lived some time in Ukraine, the war easily comes up. And then does the propaganda.
Having this experience has been something I really wouldn’t have wanted to have. I have indeed met Russians who are decent people. But, all of them have received other citizenships already years ago, because if you don’t believe the Russian propaganda, you see what a horrible country it is, and want nothing to do with it.
If someone has not left the Russia by 2025, they have a reason for that. They stand for Putin’s fascism.
I prefer to hate everyone willing to kill me, my friends, my family, take over my country equally. Especially so, if they do it for money, for ten years.
Hard to grasp such a complex concept, I understand.
I can understand why you feel the way you do and cannot dispute it is a hatred you’ve earned.
Just like I wouldn’t be able to blame any Canadian for hating every US soldier if the US were to invade Canada.
I personally feel bad for every person involved in something as horrible as fighting in a war. I wish their hearts, brains, and energies could instead be employed in something peaceful, helpful, and beneficial for the future.
I just believe the righteous antipathy is better leveled at the Russian government, specifically Putin, than the anonymous cannon fodder.
I live in Finland, where about five percent of the people are Russian-speakers. Half from the Russia, the other half from Baltics.
My image of them has changed dramatically since 2022. I’ve had a job where I encounter a lot of different low-educated workers, and that has a included several tens of Russian-speakers. There has been precisely one among them that has not been repeating Putin’s talking points.
Nowadays I try to steer clear of everyone with a Russian name because I don’t want to ruin my workday. When they hear that I’ve lived some time in Ukraine, the war easily comes up. And then does the propaganda.
Having this experience has been something I really wouldn’t have wanted to have. I have indeed met Russians who are decent people. But, all of them have received other citizenships already years ago, because if you don’t believe the Russian propaganda, you see what a horrible country it is, and want nothing to do with it.
If someone has not left the Russia by 2025, they have a reason for that. They stand for Putin’s fascism.
Thank you for sharing your personal observations and experiences. They sound even more insufferable and dangerous than MAGAsites in the US.
I prefer to hate everyone willing to kill me, my friends, my family, take over my country equally. Especially so, if they do it for money, for ten years.
Hard to grasp such a complex concept, I understand.
I can understand why you feel the way you do and cannot dispute it is a hatred you’ve earned.
Just like I wouldn’t be able to blame any Canadian for hating every US soldier if the US were to invade Canada.
I personally feel bad for every person involved in something as horrible as fighting in a war. I wish their hearts, brains, and energies could instead be employed in something peaceful, helpful, and beneficial for the future.
I agree with both of you.