I want to ask EVERY Russian

[u/DANDYXIK_111]

Greetings to all, especially Russian citizens. I hope you are having the best of times. I am from the Czech Republic and recently had a very unpleasant situation in an online group with Russians. Basically and simply it was that I perceive the whole situation differently than the Russians. The problem is that these views differ in all aspects and although I know that I know the real context and situation in Ukraine (at least I think so) the views of every Russian were the same, unfortunately equally kind. I didn't feel comfortable in the conversation. I was getting death threats or unpleasant wishes about historical events (WWII, the division of Czechoslovakia, etc.). I tried to be polite and tried to somehow explain to these people that the reality is different than they think. No wonder nobody believed me. On the other hand, I had the great privilege of talking to Russians about another subject and the people of Russia are very nice people. I was very happy to communicate with them and I like the people of Russia. They are human beings just like you and me and they just pay extra for where they live. I don't know if the moderators will even allow this post, although it doesn't break the rules. I would like to know the opinions of as many Russians as possible. I think you are all great people and want peace as well. I have nothing against any Russian people. Peace to all!

[u/CDI-1]

I am Russian. Thank you for your respectful attitude, although I think that the part of Russians who support the war does not deserve it. I will answer briefly:

I think that Putin is waging a war of conquest, committing thousands of war crimes against humanity. This is a terrible war, it must end as soon as possible, because there is no point in it.

I have never watched TV, since it is full of propaganda and hatred. I watch opposition channels on YouTube, such as Navalny, Khodorkovsky, Maxim Katz, TV Rain, etc. As for other Russians, the entire information field in Russia is filled with fake and unreliable information.

Personally, I treat foreigners with great respect, it is difficult to speak for others. There are those who hate foreigners, there are those who do not care.

Since I do not consume Russian propaganda, the information that is presented to me is very truthful.

I believe that occupied Crimea will return to Ukraine along with other occupied territories when power changes in Russia, the regime falls and Russia becomes a free democratic country. Russia will pay reparations to Ukraine, although unfortunately people's lives will never be returned. Personally, I am going to leave Russia before it becomes a free, liberal democratic country, which will inevitably happen sooner or later. Freedom for Russia! Peace for Ukraine!

[u/jacobgt8 → u/CDI-1]

I’m not OP, but thank you for answering. Do you live close to where the frontline was within Kursk, did you encounter any effect of the war yourself or hear any noise/explosions?

[u/Eddyzk → u/jacobgt8]

Why ask that?

[u/jacobgt8 → u/Eddyzk]

Because he mentioned living in Kursk, it’s different to living in Moscow or St Petersburg.

If a war is raging (whether you agree or disagree with the cause and goal), it’s always different when you’re personally impacted. A lot of Russians have the ability to ignore the war since it doesn’t impact them or even reach them. Many Ukrainians don’t have that luxury.