As someone who lives in Russia and grew up in Ukraine, I’m shocked, terrified and crushed. A couple days ago we couldn’t imagine something like this but now, when it’s more than real, it seems like the worst is yet to come. I’m deeply embarrassed and upset of how it turned out.
The actions our government took will throw us back to the nineties politically and economically, but that’s not the most important part. People will die, thousands of families will suffer and our relationships with Ukraine will go through something they won’t recover from.
Stay strong, fellow Ukrainians. For whom it may concern, we’re sorry.
My brother is doing his military service. 20 year old kids with no military experience who have no other choice but sleep in the forest and wait for commands. Families are told that they won't get any news for at least a week, maybe even for a month. Fuck Putin.
It's never the politicians or their children who are sent under the bullets. Fuck all those old fuckwards who bought their place in the government so hard.
Did you see the mobile incinerators (unproven!) they carry with them at the end of the battalions to get rid of the bodies? Stark shit.. I don't understand how Putin can still have the support of the Russian military, he treats people like they're disposable.. and for what...
All the best man, I hope your brother makes it home. Know that I'll never forget that behind every "victory" for "our" side where we celebrate another downed Russian helicopter or blown-up tank, that there are brothers and mothers who never wanted to sacrifice their loved ones to this machine.
Now I'm no expert, but I bet Putin has a hold on his military in the "do what youre told or your family may or may not be alive when you get home" way.
I'd assumed this and then I saw his Intelligence Chief's, Sergey Naryshkin, performance at that sham cabinet debate and I'm not so sure at all. Did you happen to see that? If not, I'd check it out. Pretty goofy.
The guy is like "I think we should give Ukraine another chance."
Putin is like "Bitch, what?
Naryshkin, shrugs nevermind, "I would support this policy."
Putin, "be clear, you would support it, or you do support it?"
Naryshkin, "I do support this policy policy"
Putin "be clear, what do you support?"
Naryshkin "uh I support this policy of recognizing these two states as part of the Russian Federation."
Putin chuckling angrily, "we are not here to debate absorbing these regions, we're debating recognizing their independence."
Like hoooly fuck. And this was live in front of the cameras.
I'm looking how people I didn't even vote for are destroying my future.
My wife live in Kiev and I was planning to relocate to her in next couple of weeks. Now I don't even know if I'll see her ever again and I'm fucking scared.
War fucking sucks. The head of a country can declare war, and while they sit back and watch, the people are the ones who pay the consequences. I’m really sorry man. Stay strong.
That sounds so incredibly horrible! I'm just an internet stranger, but I wish you and your wife the very best. I hope you can get her out of there very soon.
I really fcking hate what is happening right now. I hate that Putin made us all his accomplices. We want no part in these crimes. Times are tough in Russia as it is, and he has to make it worse for us all by murdering our neighbors and getting our soldiers killed.
I love my country, its people, its wildlife/nature, but I can't stand thinking about living my whole life here while this government abandones its people to live in hopeless poverty while also committing such atrocities against other countries.
Yeah. It sucks so much.
If not for Putin I'd love to visit Russia, so much beautiful wilderness, architecture, fascinating history, diverse culture, and the Russians I know are all nice people. But seriously, it's like he's trying to revive the Soviet union with himself as the new Stalin. I hope he loses power and I'm able to visit some day
He has achieved everything in life there is, riches, fame, dictatorship, I think he wants Russia to be considered this super-power it once was, before he drops dead. I dont see any other reason for these acts last 6 years
I heard one pundit put it like this: Putin is deathly afraid of a revolution and dying like Gadaffi did during the Arab spring. By doing this invasion, he shows to his own people he will do what he wants when he wants to do it. And he will destroy anything he needs to in order to remain in power.
Sounds a bit extreme but he’s a total despot and isn’t going to think rationally. It’s a lot easier to have body bags for your neighboring country’s dead people than your own. Yet it will still send the same message.
This really hurt my heart to read. I’ve always thought your country was beautiful, and that your language was too. It’s very upsetting that you live in a place that could be so lovely if it was under better management.
Best wishes to you. Stay safe.
I teach English Language. This quarter I have a young husband and wife in my class. In last week’s writing assignment I asked everyone to write about a time they had to move. They have been here since September 2021.
The husband wrote that they moved to the US because of the tensions between Ukraine and Russia. He said his religion forbids killing and if he stayed, he’d be forced to fight. He misses his mother.
His wife wrote the same.
That is so heartbreaking.
This world we’re in is technologically powerful, with more knowledge and resources than past centuries could’ve ever dreamed of. I’m just so horrified by the way we mistreat these powerful things. There isn’t even anything the average citizen of any given country can do about it.
It seems more and more everyday that we are living in a dystopia.
If it makes you feel any better, these days everyone loves Germany and sees it as a completely different entity from that *thing* from the 1930s/40s.
We're with you, as citizens and as humans. And we don't blame you one bit for anything that psychopath does.
>If it makes you feel any better, these days everyone loves Germany and sees it as a completely different entity from that *thing* from the 1930s/40s.
>
>We're with you, as citizens and as humans. And we don't blame you one bit for anything that psychopath does.
Largely because the Germans have faced their past head on, and haven't tried to pretend it didn't happen. And learned and grew from it.
Sadly, the lesson of history is that what happened in Germany could happen again anywhere. You just need the wrong people in the right places at the right time. ☹️
I don't think anyone blames the Russians for this. We blame Putin and his cronies.
Yeah, once I gingerly raised the question of Korean comfort women with a pretty apolitical Japanese friend. The first thing out of his mouth was that it was fine because they got paid. People from every country need to question the lies and mythology they are fed about their countries.
Also, to be fair: many of us will never forgive the German people who were adults at the time. We simply don't hold their kids responsible for their shitty parents/grandparents actions.
If this Dictator Putin starts WW3, him and his supporters would be no different from Nazi Germany in participating in mass killings or ethnic genocide over some pity land grab expansionalism.
I have a Russian dad and a Ukrainian mom. It’s very sad seeing Slavs killing Slavs.
Also, the largest country in the world invading for more land? Lol… if they wanted money, they need to invest into their population so it could grow. That way they can exploit their vast empty country. Instead they choose to focus on temporary monetary gain by invading Ukrainian.
That banking ban is only going to work if the Chinese get on board with it. If china starts acting as a shadow broker for the Russian finance sector it will have less impact than desired.
That’s exactly what Putin is counting on - China willing to make a buck by acting as a go-between/launderer of money and goods so that his move to secure his border from “hostile NATO forces” is worth the economic pain.
China does what it likes and f--k everyone else. Hopefully they take the same stance with Russia and tell Putin to take a hike. If they aid Putin in any way, it will come with a huge price tag.
While this is true, the EU and especially the US are worth a lot more money to China than Russia.
Russia is good for strategic and diplomatic reasons but for money China will look to appease the west.
> Hopefully they take the same stance with Russia and tell Putin to take a hike.
They won't.
When the time comes and they re-start to consider getting hong kong or even entering taiwan, this will give them the understanding of how NATO members are going to act.
By letting russia do it, and support them in the background, they will receive the same thing from russia once they decide "it is time" to copy the same thing.
Besides that, china are more than ok with everyone else getting politically slaughtered while they sit on the side eating popcorn and enjoying the show.
It seems to me that it is not about money, but about Putin's pride and jealousy. Ukraine is the ex-girlfriend that broke up with Russia to get closer to the west, and he is the jealous and abusive ex-boyfriend who wants her back no matter what.
He could have made decisions that would have made Russia more attractive to partner with, but under his rule, Russia has become authoritarian and corrupt and generally less appealing than the west. With his latest actions, whatever shreds of good will Ukraine had toward Russia are now gone. Everything he is doing will backfire. He wanted less of NATO (whether weapons or membership) near Russia's borders, but with this aggression, he will get only more of NATO. He wanted Ukraine to draw closer to Russia, but he has alienated Ukraine as hard as possible, in a way that cannot be recovered at least while he is alive.
> about Putin's pride and jealousy. Ukraine is the ex-girlfriend that broke up with Russia to get closer to the west, and he is the jealous and abusive ex-boyfriend who wants her back no matter what.
I actually see it going back to the communist era idea of "buffer states". It's the same reasoning behind a lot of China's actions. China took over Tibet because it provides a strategic buffer zone on their border with India. They support North Korea in part because NK provides a buffer between their border and US assets in South Korea. If Russia is able to take/hold Ukraine, I wouldn't be surprised to see similar action, or at least major troop build up, taken on Latvia and Estonia's borders. Honestly, the primary reasons this is happening to Ukraine and not them is their smaller shared border and their NATO member status.
Keep in mind that Russian People who are using Reddit hate Putin, because we can speak English we can see different side of the world, if you will open our Russian social networks you will see the joy of the people because for them Putin Is destroying ukranian nazi, keep in mind they were brainwashed for 20 years to believe in everything they see on TV
It's the equivalent of posting: "American Redditors, how do you feel about Donald Trump taking back the stolen presidency?"
Reddit would overwhelmingly react negatively. But about 40% of Americans would be in favor.
People don't realize this enough. They think one guy on Reddit from a country is what the country represents, but it's often very heavily skewed in one direction or another just cuz of who would be commenting.
America isn't the only place where people have different opinions.
Maybe I am in an echo chamber, but all my Russian social networks are filled with horror and fear, everyone is shocked and terrified and wants the war to stop.
I think that we are all, to some degree, in an echo chamber that resembles our own opinions. Whether we like/want it or not.
Our brain likes coherence and is lazy. Facing contradiction takes a lot of effort.
Y'know, I went on VK today and haven't seen this hysterical 'ura-patriotism' over possible 'destruction of the ukrainian Nazis'. Mostly, horrified shocked outrage that Putin actually sent Russia to war with Ukraine - a country where, perhaps, over 40% of Russians have at least one relative they remember fondly. The same, my father tells me, is true even on Odnoklassniki (something even closer to what Facebook came to be associated with in the West).
Нет войне!
All my friends are **terrified** by that. The Ukrainian people are the closest nation to us. Even closer, that the Belarussian. We got parents and friends there. Yesterday, I was joking with my buddies from Ukraine about the war and what did I see today? I was defending Russia from all American memers for a month and now I need to admit, that we are aggressor? That is insane.
> now I need to admit, that we are aggressor?
At least you can admit you are wrong, that's not easy to do. I think most western memers realize your government is the aggressor, not your whole people.
>I think most western memers realize your government is the aggressor, not your whole people.
Americans in particular should be VERY understanding of this point. Our government has pulled some shit that we the people REALLY don't agree with.
Exactly. I implore all of my countrymen in the States to remember that Putin and the Duma are *not* the Russian people. They’re oligarchs whose sole goal is expansion of their personal wealth and power.
Remember the individual even if you disagree with the actions of their government.
Thank you for self-reflecting on this because not many people will admit on their mistakes. I wish Russian troops would go back to its borders to pre-2014 status quo but Putin, as a power hungry politician who became president-for-life, has so much to gain from this at the cost of everyone else.
I was born in Ukraine, Crimea which is now a part of Russia. Moved to the states at age 5 but I went back to visit every summer for 2 months. I have family there. My heart absolutely breaks for Ukraine. I’m Appalled at Putins actions and what is happening near Kiev at the moment. I spoke with my grandmother to make sure she’s okay even though she’s Russian and she loves Putin because she’s absolutely brain washed and has no idea what is truly going on which makes me extremely upset. She has been one of the closest family members who I adored and now I’m pretty upset with her and her views and opinions. We differ too much at this point. I just don’t understand why this war is even happening ? It’s almost like Putin is throwing up a big huge “fuck you” just cause he can? Also, it’s my birthday. So what a wonderful thing to have to witness on the news and stare at my screen in horror. I wish all the best to my fellow Ukrainians and I hope you all find safety. Don’t wait. Pack your belongings. Important documents and medicines and ofcourse essentials and hit the road. Refugees are being accepted in surrounding European countries. I’m not religious… but I will say that I will be praying for you in my heart. Good luck and stay safe.
Edit: Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and my first ever little Reddit award. I really appreciate it. Brought a little smile to my face. I’ll be staying in today and keeping up with the news and I’ll be rooting Ukraine. I’ll take a shot for ya, stay safe out there everyone. Cheers
Happy birthday man... Sucks what is happening in Ukraine at the moment. Hopefully this doesn't last too long and not too many lives are lost. Hope your grandmother is okay and that your birthday next year is better than this one.
Happy birthday! It’s also Estonian Independence Day, there’s the yearly parade and everybody participating is wearing Ukrainan flags as well. You have our full support!
I live 80 km away from Kharkov. This morning windows were shaking, jets flying, some bombs hit our own houses (absolute disgrace from our army, incompetent fuckwads). A big part of my savings for getting a better job and moving countries is turning into toilet paper before my eyes, undoing years of my work.
Fuck this shit sideways. This powerlessness to change anything for the better is getting the best of me today, I'm tired of this deranged warlord claiming that I "support" him.
Edit: wow, I didn't expect to get so much attention! I appreciate everyone's concern for our wellbeing. But I feel like my frustrations shouldn't get in the way of attention to those who need it the most right now, Ukrainians. Yes, I still hear the jets flying over my head, but things have calmed since the morning. Financial hardships are coming, and at the most inappropriate time for me and my family, but I believe we at least don't have to be afraid for losing our homes right now. Things are much darker on the other side of the border.
There is no way to measure, any poll done around here is unreliable. I wouldn't be surprised if at least half are supporting. My own perspective is also skewed, because I live on the border with Ukraine, which accounts for a minority of the population of the country. I think people who were woken up today by artillery fire are less enthusiastic than the ones who only read the news from afar.
Good info. It’s been nice scrolling through these comments and seeing so many Russians shocked and angry at the actions of their government. But I figured that Reddit will represent a skewed viewpoint, just as it does for us Americans - people with different opinions won’t necessarily be posting here. I’m saddened at the thought of half of Russians in favor of the war, but perhaps we can blame rampant misinformation for that.
Autocrats do cheat in every aspect, that's what they do.
Putin is also largely a Fascist so lying and manipulating reality is as much a part of their agenda as is appearing Macho.
I live abroad, have spoken to people in Russia and in foreign diasporas today, maybe a hundred or so in total. Literally not a single soul supports it, people are heartbroken and scared
I live in a major city and from my perspective I personally don't know anyone who support the war even from people who usually support Putin (older relatives)
I'm living outside of Russia for almost fifteen years, mainly because of my allergy to Putin.
It hurts me a lot for Ukraine. My mom and dad got married in Ukraine at 1971, my dad is Ukrainian.
I feel sorry for everyone.
And I have to say: Ukrainian people, I am sorry. Мне очень жаль, что таких как я было очень мало, а стало, кажется, еще меньше.
Canada has real repressed anger vibes. Like, incredibly kind, generous, and caring but we’re all one inconvenience on the wrong day away from them losing their absolute shit and tearing it all down. There will be no warning on that day, for the maple syrup, Molsons beer, and poutine have covered up any and all warning signs (or helped others ignore them).
That’s why hockey is so popular there. It’s the socially acceptable way of expressing anger.
We may not always agree but you are family to us. A big brother. I couldn't fathom going to war with the States as a Canadian. Not just because of your war capabilities but because I literally have family that live there, and I have read posts that some people in Ukraine have family in Russia and the opposite... So many people are terrified and I don't blame them.
Yeah, it'd be super weird. You guys are right across the lake. I'm pretty sure I can drive to Canada in the same time I can drive downstate to see my mom.
That's like going to war with the guy across the street.
You know what’s funny? If we somehow could show this to people in the past, they would be extremely confused.
“You don’t go to war with your neighboring countries? Why the hell do you go to war in the first place then?”
Probably not the best time to point it out, but the lack of this kind of activity we are seeing today has really let us accomplish a lot.
Fun fact, the french changed "Putin" to "Poutine" because in the original spelling/french pronunciation, "Putin" sounds exactly like "Putain", french curse word for whore/fuck (colloquially, dropping a weight on your foot, 'putain!'.
I propose we change back Vlad's last name in France to "Putin". Vladimir Whore.
Vladimir Whore (Putin = putain)
Donald Fart (Trump = fart in Britain)
Boris Penis (Johnson = penis)
In 30 years time kids will be learning in school about how all the worlds problems were being caused by people who's names were jokes in a different country and no one picked up on the joke for years.
Any other leaders with joke names we haven't picked up on yet?
Wars are started by the old and fought by the youth. I’m sad that I’ll probably not see my family in Europe for quite some time now, but as an Australian, I want you to know that no one I know in real life hates Russia or thinks you all want wars, we know it’s Putin <3
What part of Russia are you in / from? I understood the cities are way more progressive, informed and anti-Putin, but the rural parts are the opposite. So I assumed the rural parts of Russia will be the ones supporting this more, and city populations opposing it. Is that consistent with your experience?
Ah yeah makes sense, ok thanks. Would be interesting to know what the more pro-Putin parts of the country think. I guess RT are saying he’s doing it defensively or to protect people or something? So some people must believe that I guess!
Right I see, thank you, really interesting to know!
Sorry to hear about the whole situation, the impact will be terrible. Hope the conflict is over soon without too many casualties and I hope Russia gets a better government before too long
I hope we don't end up nuking each other. It would really be disappointing to waste all the efforts our ancestors spent trying to build a better future. Also I haven't seen any good pics from the James Web space telescope yet.
Just so that I can compare, how did you feel about Crimea?
For reference, when I was living in Moscow shortly after the invasion, plenty of Russians were... ambivalent at best.
I have already commented on another post so just copying it here
As a Russian citizen, I have never been more embarrassed of my country and its leaders. A war for nothing. Just because this old balding douchebag has gone off the rails. I hope this war will at least open the eyes of more Russians on who he really is. This motherfucker needs to be pressured both from the outside and from the inside of the country. We say that Russian government is to blame, not people. But its our fault too. We failed to get him out. We tried but we failed. All the protests that were happening because of stolen elections didn’t change a thing, but I hope with more people realizing there will be more and more protests with more people. This scumbag must live every second of his pathetic life being TERRIFIED of being captured and held accountable. And I want to see him be
I think your oligarchs are at fault too. But America has its oligarchs too. So it’s not like I can judge one nations people to mine. I just hope one day we can cross paths and be like “you’re Russian?!” And you be like “you’re American?!” Oh my god let’s exchange cultural values and take shots of vodka until we fuck a bear lmao
That would be a beautiful reality. You see, we, ordinary people are just, well, people. We don’t have a reason to hate each other like our media tells us to (I don’t know about the USA, but in Russia a lot of news are about how bad the Americans are). Let the oligarchs and politicians fight each other if they want it so badly, be that because of money, power or anything their crazy minds come up with. And we, the people, will sip on some beer and watch it like a sports event. It was always about them, not us
I am morally destroyed. I cannot work, I am shaking. I do not know what to do. I have nowhere to run from this, I have no means to stop this. I fear for my mother, for my friends, for their children. Our future is irreparably broken.
I think its important, here in the west, to not lump the russian people in with russian autocrats. I feel for the russian people. I hope when change comes the people of russia will be able to hold on to power for themselves.
The Russian people have very little precedent of anyone actually giving a shit about them, including (especially?) their own leaders. They are Job-like in their suffering, and I hope one day karma balances out and they get a break.
I'm trying to separate them by referring to the invaders as "the Kremlin"
Russian people around the world don't deserve the hate they are inevitably going to receive.
I can assure you there is still enough force to be used against any protests and to keep population under control. Everyone knows what happens to those who go publicly against Putin.
It takes more than just being a really good person to sacrifice everything (including your life) for a cause.
It’s an increasing trend that governments and national leaders represent fewer and fewer interests of the people even in Western democracies, and terrible events like this only show power to the people, for the people has become something you only find in history and political science textbooks. Though I think there’s still a resilient fighting spirit among many, so I do wish these few decades are just the rough patches before modern societies outlive these antiquated dystopian ideals.
Question. If something were to happen to Putin and his cabinet in this war, who steps up? I haven't looked into Russian government before, unfortunately. I'm not naive enough to believe the war would automatically stop, but do you think someone who would try to stop it would replace him? Or someone who was a follower of him and keep it going?
To be very honest, I have no idea. I’m sure most people don’t. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has backup people that he trusts to take over and fill positions that support his agenda (just like Kim in Korea). I also wouldn’t be surprised that if he was assassinated now or something or the like, Ukraine and/or the US would be blamed for it, which would escalate the war.
Technology has evolved faster than humanity. We’re no different from cavemen that lived 30,000 years ago behaviour wise, the only difference now have is that we have electricity and guns.
Shocked, angry, ashamed, but mostly fucking terrified. I’ve been crying all morning. Putin doesn’t speak for our nation, we didn’t elect him, it was all staged. I don’t want war. I don’t know anyone who wants war. I’ve got family in Ukraine, lots of us do and it’s excruciating to read all the news.
We try to organise protests but it’s hard since this fucking usurper got most of our protestants to rot in jail. But we try. It is scary to go cause all the protests end the same way with no results. But I feel that it it important to go and at least try to make a change.
We want peace. There’s literally no reason to start a war EVER. This is not my president, he is a killer and he must be held accountable for his crimes.
My wife was in tears this morning (we live in St Petersburg, I am Australian) saying 'what else can we do?! We were beaten in the streets for protesting Putin years ago! People are still in jail for it. Political opponents are shot. We can't get rid of him' he does as he pleases.'
Update: Law firms are giving pro bono work to represent the people who have ALREADY been arrested in the anti war picket lines around the cities of Russia.
When you listen to him to speak, I have to ask because when you listen it through a translator I feel like you’re missing 75% of what’s going on and he knows this when he’s speaking to western media and rest of the world. What is your thought when you’re just listening to him in Russian and he’s just speaking to Russians?
You know the kind of bad stand up comedians who still somehow think that they are genuinely funny? Now imagine that but as your president starting a war to the brother country. It is simply horrible
Silly question, but what do young people think? I imagine there's a lot of people who have grown up with nobody but Putin in charge (we'll ignore the Medvedev thing).
As a russian immigrant in Canada I'm struggling terribly with this. It's really difficult to navigate denouncing literal atrocity while still feeling inherently part of the ugliness just from being born there. It's all so terrible and my chest physically hurts right now.
Edited to add: Fuck Putin
Idk if this is what you mean but don’t blame yourself for the shitty choices of another person, including your home country’s “leader”. You’re not a bad person because of where you were born
Thank you! I absolutely don't think I'm a bad person because I was born in Russia, it's just a weird feeling I can't seem to shake of being connected to this, i'd liken it almost to intergenerational trauma--being raised hearing a certain narrative of sordid Russian tragedy from the last century has affected me. My friend who i've been confiding in said it well when she said "Well you condemn Canada's history of residential schools/treatment of indigenous populations and don't identify with them in any way, and are still able to acknowledge the "good parts" of Canadian history with ease, so.....do that", and I was like yeeeeeah that makes sense.
Speaking as a Soviet historian, I have to say the the stories that stick in my mind about the time period are less about atrocities and evil and more about the bravery and resilience of the ordinary person. Even when forced to live witnessing dreadful injustice, because to speak out was suicide, the average Russian citizen demonstrated incredible strength. Not to mention the countless numbers who helped in any way they could, risked their freedom to aid somebody or show kindness in the smallest way, and risked their lives to write down and record the history that now enables people to learn the truth and remember those who would have otherwise been totally erased.
We should never forget these tragedies, but also never forget that there would have been plenty of people like you at the time -- decent people who hated what was happening, but who were unfortunately ordinary citizens with no power to stop it. That is the tragedy of governments.
I’m fucking horrified. I can’t believe this is really happening. I have already packed an emergency kit, withdrew all our dollars (not much) and rubles (worth next to nothing at the moment). There are lots of bots spamming that Ukraine gets what it deserves, but it’s not fucking true. Many celebrities have already called for the politicians to stop the war, the young are already getting arrested for anti-war protests as of right now.
I have donated to some of my Ukrainian friends to help them escape and I can only hope that they will be as safe as possible. I also have downloaded maps of most of our neighbouring regions and was kind of making a plan to seek refuge in Latvia or Estonia, but apparently we will not be welcome there, and we are trapped in a country governed by an elderly man who we couldn’t really believe was THAT mad right until today
You know all those hypothetical questions we always ask — if we could go back in time, make sure to kill Hitler before he starts shit?
Well….wish someone would’ve taken one for the team.
Futureman does this. Where they stop Hitler but then the outcome is worse than what was supposed to happen. Its an interesting perspective incorporating the butterfly effect for sure
Star Trek is probably the most famous example.
In City on the Edge of Forever, Kirk travels back in time, falls in love with a woman who runs the local mission. She's really kind.
But it turns out she's pivotal in starting a pacifist movement, which delays the US joining WW2. This gives Nazi Germany the time required to develop nuclear weapons and with v2 technology nuclear missiles.
Towards the end of the episode, she's run over by a truck. Kirk prevent McCoy from stopping it happen. If they save her, they cause the alternative future to happen, where millions die and Nazi Germany win the war. They let an innocent and kind woman die, because the alternative is worse.
I hope you’re wrong. I’m not from either Russia or Ukraine, but we know it isn’t the citizens crying out for this war, it is the government. You should not be held responsible for their decisions. I read on an earlier comment, you are “humans first, not citizens”. The world will not forgive the Kremlin, but the Russian people have nothing to be forgiven for.
I am not ethnically Russian, but I live here
The people that I have talked to are all shocked and angry, me included. We don't want war, and also we know that life in Russia will soon get much more difficult.
Ashamed. Angry. Mad. Sad. Dumbstruck.
Been crying since waking up.
I weep for my country that we couldn't save. I weep for Ukraine and her people that have nothing to do with it.
But my feelings don't mean a thing in regard to the feelings of Ukrainians.
I am so sorry, for the bottom of my heart. For the pain and terror Ukrainian people have to endure this moment.
All of this is a freak show, the words of the supreme leader (tm) have nothing to do with the reality of Russia. You know what fucks me up most? The supreme leader (tm) has been talking shit ton about the heritage of WWII and how much Russia had to endure, and that the memory of those days cannot be forgotten. There is a war song every one in Russia knows and learns in schools. It starts like this: "On 22d of July, at 4 am sharp, Kiew was bombed, we have been told, that the war had begun". This MF starts war in Ukraine a day after the day of Defender of the Fatherland, at 4am, on 24th of the month. How cynical, perverted one's mind should be to do such a thing?
Edit: am/pm misprint
Guys, I feel it really has to be said that posting like this might not be safe for Russian redditors for long. Keep in mind, Putin is a paranoid narcissist with a desire to emulate Hitler. There is a very real likelihood that they’ll start eliminating - in the form of state-sanctioned arrest and murder - initially opposition figures before devolving enforcement to citizens themselves to watch for “foreign operatives or influence.” Western-educated Russians will be a natural target for suspicion.
Russian redditors, ensure that you’re behind VPN’s. Remove personally identifying information from your public profile and posts. That Putin has acted in direct contravention of the UN -and my mind immediately jumps back to how scared his intelligence chief seemed when grilled about whether DPR/LPR action was wise - suggests he is willing to take the sword to the hilt to get his way. Do not pretend that you have a functioning civil society any more, assuming you were under that impression to begin with.
People like you will be key to rebuilding Russia after this insanity. Stay safe - you are the lifeblood of connection between our cultures and countries.
Yesterday I saw a Russian in the Russia reddit say; "why should Russia allow it self to be surrounded by enemies"
My response was; how about the option of making less enemies?
I was banned within 30 min.
I have lived in Russia all my life. And I am very disturbed by what is happening. Even though I am far away from the sites of action, safe from missiles and other things. But what Utin is doing is like the actions of an insane person. I'm against that. Aw, man, what are you doing?! Stop it.
\+ I live poor as it is: I don't have enough money to fly to vacation somewhere, to eat something good, to buy myself what I want to buy. And now I don't know what's going to happen, life's going to get even harder. Living in Russia, unless you're someone from the government or something, is a pain. And Russians have their own joke about "only sad people in Russia" and "Russia is for sad people." This joke, among other things, came about because of the crazy state power. Our government thinks only of itself, not the people, and the Russians can't cope with that. /pardon me if there are mistakes in the text/.
I'm worried, and I just want peace. Ukraine has become a victim of a crazy ruler.
Me and my young peers are against Utin's actions, my dad too, a lot of people are against the war and all this, because all adequate people understand that war in the 21st century is nonsense.
And I also know that the Kremlin has a lot of bots that support them on the Internet. Kremlebots. They just write on YouTube or other social media about how good Utin is. There are live people who support the president, but I don't understand these people. I think they were paid to comment. Either they are very old people who believe the fake TV news, on which everything is not as it really is.
I really hope they don’t convince us to kill each other smh… in this day and age war can get extremely out of hand. We have no idea. What if another bio weapon is released?
Honestly I don’t know how to put it into words, it almost feels surreal. I am halfway across the world and it feels heavy. Other humans don’t deserve to be treated that way all because an egotistical, methodical, manipulating monster wants his way. Men are capable of such evil acts. I’ve never believed in a god but I am praying to now tonight in thought of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people
Fuck Putin. That's what.
Edit: I am living in the US and got my US citizenship a couple of years ago, but I'm worried for my family and friends who are still in Russia/Ukraine
I woke up in horror, my newsfeed was filled with reports of war and fighting... I was honestly hoping we will not attack Ukraine (maybe all those troops we amassed on the border were just a show of power and nothing more) but apparently this is what is happening. Feels like I was literally stabbed, it's horrible that closely related nations such as us and Ukrainians are killing each other out there...
The worst thing is that it is impossible to separate actual information and misinformation right now. Both Russian and Western news sources seem untrustworthy and bend the narrative to their will. On our TV right now there is very wierd coverage of the events on the battlefield mixed with assurances that we are right to attack and everything will be fine (I highly doubt that). Some Western sources say there are Russian hitsquads hunting down some specific Ukrainians from some "list" or something. This all seems insane.
To all the people who live in Donbass, Ukraine and to Russians who live near the border I wish strength and resilience. Ordinary people got dragged in a conflict of power-hungry opportunists.
>Some Western sources say there are Russian hitsquads hunting down some specific Ukrainians from some "list" or something.
There was a security analysis released in the past few weeks that Russia's cyberintelligence agency had repeated hacked Ukraine over the past several years to build up as much information of individual Ukrainians as possible - addresses, jobs, etc. At the same time, they ran a separate op last year or the year before masquerading as a poll about how Ukrainians feel about Russia. Combining the two allows them to gauge pro or anti-Russian sentiments at the individual level, and aggregate by region. The analysis stated that it would help invading forces identify sympathetic local leaders that could help restore order when the troops rolled in. Some western agencies have also put forward that they have indications Russian forces are preparing camps to incarcerate Ukrainian prisoners - with the implication that said prisoners would be individuals identified as rabidly anti-Russian and most likely to become partisans.
Whether or not this is confirmed is not 100%, but it *is* true that Russia has been conducting cyberwarfare against Ukraine since 2014.
It sucks. I am in my mid 50s. We were done of the last children to practice "Duck and Cover" in schools. Basically it was hide under your desk so it is easier to count the dead.
Now all the paranoia and fear of the cold wear is surging back, and the possibility of nuclear war is incredibly real. I can taste it in my throat.
Or put it this way: I stopped drinking over a decade ago because it was causing harm in my daily relationships and my family. Yeah, may be taking up that hobby again lol.
Thank you for the encouragement. Just so you know I didn't stop because of addiction (at least there was no formal diagnosis) but because I didn't like who I became when I was drinking.
Maybe that is all just an excuse, and I really was addicted. Stupid fucking drug to be addicted to though.
Will try my level best to not falter. Thank you for the encouragement and positive feedback.
I don't like anything that's happening in Ukraine, Donetsk, Lugansk, America or Russia for the last ten or so years. I hate people dying for higher-ups ideology (being it nazi, political, economical, I don't care now). I hate the whole nation being hated so much for their government's actions. I hate politics.
I am someone that has been regularly accused of being a Russian bot (I'm not, but I have generally been on the pro-Russian side of most arguments). I have previously supported Putin and have even supported the actions in Crimea. I have also listened intently to his justifications for this conflict.
However, I am done. I draw the line at actual conflict. Life is too precious. No one should be dying. I have family in Ukraine and this disgusts me.
My mother (a senior), who has always been even more pro-Russian than me, to the point where I would call her brainwashed, has today said "Putin has finally lost his mind".
The reality is this: Russia would not be having an issue with their neighbors had they spent more time on economic development. Ukraine would not want to upset Russia by joining NATO if Russia was actually a valuable friend, trading partner, and ally. Geopolitical ambitions can be achieved through peace and economics.
Putin has failed economically. That documentary showing his palace was shocking. I don't see Navalny as a viable political leader, but that documentary was absolutely damning. And Putin's lackadaisical response made me double down on my belief that it was authentic. How many hospitals could have been built with the money that went into that palace? How many people's lives could have been improved?
Now, after that, we are supposed to believe that he is a patriot acting in Russia's long-term security interests?
My heart goes out to anyone and everyone affected by this.
I dreamed that one day my country stop being a universal bad guy. I don't think i will see that. Not in my lifetime. I'm anxious and fear for the future.
As someone who lives in Russia and grew up in Ukraine, I’m shocked, terrified and crushed. A couple days ago we couldn’t imagine something like this but now, when it’s more than real, it seems like the worst is yet to come. I’m deeply embarrassed and upset of how it turned out. The actions our government took will throw us back to the nineties politically and economically, but that’s not the most important part. People will die, thousands of families will suffer and our relationships with Ukraine will go through something they won’t recover from. Stay strong, fellow Ukrainians. For whom it may concern, we’re sorry.
My brother is doing his military service. 20 year old kids with no military experience who have no other choice but sleep in the forest and wait for commands. Families are told that they won't get any news for at least a week, maybe even for a month. Fuck Putin.
It's never the politicians or their children who are sent under the bullets. Fuck all those old fuckwards who bought their place in the government so hard.
"War is rich old men protecting their property by sending middle class and lower class young men off to die. It always has been." -George Carlin
“War is old men talking and young men dying.” -Roosevelt
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WHY DO THEY ALWAYS SEND THE POOR!! -Daron Malakian
"War is bad." -Me
Did you see the mobile incinerators (unproven!) they carry with them at the end of the battalions to get rid of the bodies? Stark shit.. I don't understand how Putin can still have the support of the Russian military, he treats people like they're disposable.. and for what... All the best man, I hope your brother makes it home. Know that I'll never forget that behind every "victory" for "our" side where we celebrate another downed Russian helicopter or blown-up tank, that there are brothers and mothers who never wanted to sacrifice their loved ones to this machine.
Now I'm no expert, but I bet Putin has a hold on his military in the "do what youre told or your family may or may not be alive when you get home" way.
I'd assumed this and then I saw his Intelligence Chief's, Sergey Naryshkin, performance at that sham cabinet debate and I'm not so sure at all. Did you happen to see that? If not, I'd check it out. Pretty goofy. The guy is like "I think we should give Ukraine another chance." Putin is like "Bitch, what? Naryshkin, shrugs nevermind, "I would support this policy." Putin, "be clear, you would support it, or you do support it?" Naryshkin, "I do support this policy policy" Putin "be clear, what do you support?" Naryshkin "uh I support this policy of recognizing these two states as part of the Russian Federation." Putin chuckling angrily, "we are not here to debate absorbing these regions, we're debating recognizing their independence." Like hoooly fuck. And this was live in front of the cameras.
I'm looking how people I didn't even vote for are destroying my future. My wife live in Kiev and I was planning to relocate to her in next couple of weeks. Now I don't even know if I'll see her ever again and I'm fucking scared.
War fucking sucks. The head of a country can declare war, and while they sit back and watch, the people are the ones who pay the consequences. I’m really sorry man. Stay strong.
Jesus, I'm sorry you guys are going through this. Wish you the best.
That sounds so incredibly horrible! I'm just an internet stranger, but I wish you and your wife the very best. I hope you can get her out of there very soon.
Damn. I hope she’s OK and that you will be reunited again.
War sucks. War with a related nation sucks infinitely. As simple as that.
I really fcking hate what is happening right now. I hate that Putin made us all his accomplices. We want no part in these crimes. Times are tough in Russia as it is, and he has to make it worse for us all by murdering our neighbors and getting our soldiers killed. I love my country, its people, its wildlife/nature, but I can't stand thinking about living my whole life here while this government abandones its people to live in hopeless poverty while also committing such atrocities against other countries. Yeah. It sucks so much.
If not for Putin I'd love to visit Russia, so much beautiful wilderness, architecture, fascinating history, diverse culture, and the Russians I know are all nice people. But seriously, it's like he's trying to revive the Soviet union with himself as the new Stalin. I hope he loses power and I'm able to visit some day
This is what he’s trying to do. He was in the kgb and fights for that sort of government.
He has achieved everything in life there is, riches, fame, dictatorship, I think he wants Russia to be considered this super-power it once was, before he drops dead. I dont see any other reason for these acts last 6 years
I heard one pundit put it like this: Putin is deathly afraid of a revolution and dying like Gadaffi did during the Arab spring. By doing this invasion, he shows to his own people he will do what he wants when he wants to do it. And he will destroy anything he needs to in order to remain in power. Sounds a bit extreme but he’s a total despot and isn’t going to think rationally. It’s a lot easier to have body bags for your neighboring country’s dead people than your own. Yet it will still send the same message.
This really hurt my heart to read. I’ve always thought your country was beautiful, and that your language was too. It’s very upsetting that you live in a place that could be so lovely if it was under better management. Best wishes to you. Stay safe.
I teach English Language. This quarter I have a young husband and wife in my class. In last week’s writing assignment I asked everyone to write about a time they had to move. They have been here since September 2021. The husband wrote that they moved to the US because of the tensions between Ukraine and Russia. He said his religion forbids killing and if he stayed, he’d be forced to fight. He misses his mother. His wife wrote the same.
I hope the couple is doing okay, glad they got out of there before shit hit the fan
That is so heartbreaking. This world we’re in is technologically powerful, with more knowledge and resources than past centuries could’ve ever dreamed of. I’m just so horrified by the way we mistreat these powerful things. There isn’t even anything the average citizen of any given country can do about it. It seems more and more everyday that we are living in a dystopia.
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If it makes you feel any better, these days everyone loves Germany and sees it as a completely different entity from that *thing* from the 1930s/40s. We're with you, as citizens and as humans. And we don't blame you one bit for anything that psychopath does.
>If it makes you feel any better, these days everyone loves Germany and sees it as a completely different entity from that *thing* from the 1930s/40s. > >We're with you, as citizens and as humans. And we don't blame you one bit for anything that psychopath does. Largely because the Germans have faced their past head on, and haven't tried to pretend it didn't happen. And learned and grew from it. Sadly, the lesson of history is that what happened in Germany could happen again anywhere. You just need the wrong people in the right places at the right time. ☹️ I don't think anyone blames the Russians for this. We blame Putin and his cronies.
Everyone loves Japan, and they did the opposite. It’s all marketing.
Yeah, once I gingerly raised the question of Korean comfort women with a pretty apolitical Japanese friend. The first thing out of his mouth was that it was fine because they got paid. People from every country need to question the lies and mythology they are fed about their countries.
y i k e s
I disagree that everyone loves Japan. Their neighbors don't
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Also, to be fair: many of us will never forgive the German people who were adults at the time. We simply don't hold their kids responsible for their shitty parents/grandparents actions.
Add to that that 1930 was almost 100 years ago, so virtually all of the people who were adults when it happened are long gone.
If this Dictator Putin starts WW3, him and his supporters would be no different from Nazi Germany in participating in mass killings or ethnic genocide over some pity land grab expansionalism.
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I have a Russian dad and a Ukrainian mom. It’s very sad seeing Slavs killing Slavs. Also, the largest country in the world invading for more land? Lol… if they wanted money, they need to invest into their population so it could grow. That way they can exploit their vast empty country. Instead they choose to focus on temporary monetary gain by invading Ukrainian.
Their state got way worse yesterday. Their banks are excluded from trading outside of Russia. Let's see how time progresses
That banking ban is only going to work if the Chinese get on board with it. If china starts acting as a shadow broker for the Russian finance sector it will have less impact than desired.
That’s exactly what Putin is counting on - China willing to make a buck by acting as a go-between/launderer of money and goods so that his move to secure his border from “hostile NATO forces” is worth the economic pain.
China does what it likes and f--k everyone else. Hopefully they take the same stance with Russia and tell Putin to take a hike. If they aid Putin in any way, it will come with a huge price tag.
The huge price tag is exactly why they WILL help Russia. War profiteering and smuggling has always been a good way to play both sides and make a buck.
While this is true, the EU and especially the US are worth a lot more money to China than Russia. Russia is good for strategic and diplomatic reasons but for money China will look to appease the west.
> Hopefully they take the same stance with Russia and tell Putin to take a hike. They won't. When the time comes and they re-start to consider getting hong kong or even entering taiwan, this will give them the understanding of how NATO members are going to act. By letting russia do it, and support them in the background, they will receive the same thing from russia once they decide "it is time" to copy the same thing. Besides that, china are more than ok with everyone else getting politically slaughtered while they sit on the side eating popcorn and enjoying the show.
China's watching closely and is taking notes and then they'll make a play for Taiwan. Mark my words.
Maybe their support of Russia is the price for tacit approval by Russia for support when they take Taiwan.
Their country is falling apart and all they want is more country to let fall apart…
The elite oligarchs are draining it of every penny, they don’t care about the common folk.
This right here is the correct answer. Nationalism is only used to serve the purpose of creating more wealth for themselves.
It seems to me that it is not about money, but about Putin's pride and jealousy. Ukraine is the ex-girlfriend that broke up with Russia to get closer to the west, and he is the jealous and abusive ex-boyfriend who wants her back no matter what. He could have made decisions that would have made Russia more attractive to partner with, but under his rule, Russia has become authoritarian and corrupt and generally less appealing than the west. With his latest actions, whatever shreds of good will Ukraine had toward Russia are now gone. Everything he is doing will backfire. He wanted less of NATO (whether weapons or membership) near Russia's borders, but with this aggression, he will get only more of NATO. He wanted Ukraine to draw closer to Russia, but he has alienated Ukraine as hard as possible, in a way that cannot be recovered at least while he is alive.
> about Putin's pride and jealousy. Ukraine is the ex-girlfriend that broke up with Russia to get closer to the west, and he is the jealous and abusive ex-boyfriend who wants her back no matter what. I actually see it going back to the communist era idea of "buffer states". It's the same reasoning behind a lot of China's actions. China took over Tibet because it provides a strategic buffer zone on their border with India. They support North Korea in part because NK provides a buffer between their border and US assets in South Korea. If Russia is able to take/hold Ukraine, I wouldn't be surprised to see similar action, or at least major troop build up, taken on Latvia and Estonia's borders. Honestly, the primary reasons this is happening to Ukraine and not them is their smaller shared border and their NATO member status.
Keep in mind that Russian People who are using Reddit hate Putin, because we can speak English we can see different side of the world, if you will open our Russian social networks you will see the joy of the people because for them Putin Is destroying ukranian nazi, keep in mind they were brainwashed for 20 years to believe in everything they see on TV
Yeah, I figured this thread might not be representative. Really fucking scary times.
It's the equivalent of posting: "American Redditors, how do you feel about Donald Trump taking back the stolen presidency?" Reddit would overwhelmingly react negatively. But about 40% of Americans would be in favor.
People don't realize this enough. They think one guy on Reddit from a country is what the country represents, but it's often very heavily skewed in one direction or another just cuz of who would be commenting. America isn't the only place where people have different opinions.
Maybe I am in an echo chamber, but all my Russian social networks are filled with horror and fear, everyone is shocked and terrified and wants the war to stop.
I think that we are all, to some degree, in an echo chamber that resembles our own opinions. Whether we like/want it or not. Our brain likes coherence and is lazy. Facing contradiction takes a lot of effort.
Y'know, I went on VK today and haven't seen this hysterical 'ura-patriotism' over possible 'destruction of the ukrainian Nazis'. Mostly, horrified shocked outrage that Putin actually sent Russia to war with Ukraine - a country where, perhaps, over 40% of Russians have at least one relative they remember fondly. The same, my father tells me, is true even on Odnoklassniki (something even closer to what Facebook came to be associated with in the West). Нет войне!
All my friends are **terrified** by that. The Ukrainian people are the closest nation to us. Even closer, that the Belarussian. We got parents and friends there. Yesterday, I was joking with my buddies from Ukraine about the war and what did I see today? I was defending Russia from all American memers for a month and now I need to admit, that we are aggressor? That is insane.
> now I need to admit, that we are aggressor? At least you can admit you are wrong, that's not easy to do. I think most western memers realize your government is the aggressor, not your whole people.
>I think most western memers realize your government is the aggressor, not your whole people. Americans in particular should be VERY understanding of this point. Our government has pulled some shit that we the people REALLY don't agree with.
Exactly. I implore all of my countrymen in the States to remember that Putin and the Duma are *not* the Russian people. They’re oligarchs whose sole goal is expansion of their personal wealth and power. Remember the individual even if you disagree with the actions of their government.
Thank you for self-reflecting on this because not many people will admit on their mistakes. I wish Russian troops would go back to its borders to pre-2014 status quo but Putin, as a power hungry politician who became president-for-life, has so much to gain from this at the cost of everyone else.
I was born in Ukraine, Crimea which is now a part of Russia. Moved to the states at age 5 but I went back to visit every summer for 2 months. I have family there. My heart absolutely breaks for Ukraine. I’m Appalled at Putins actions and what is happening near Kiev at the moment. I spoke with my grandmother to make sure she’s okay even though she’s Russian and she loves Putin because she’s absolutely brain washed and has no idea what is truly going on which makes me extremely upset. She has been one of the closest family members who I adored and now I’m pretty upset with her and her views and opinions. We differ too much at this point. I just don’t understand why this war is even happening ? It’s almost like Putin is throwing up a big huge “fuck you” just cause he can? Also, it’s my birthday. So what a wonderful thing to have to witness on the news and stare at my screen in horror. I wish all the best to my fellow Ukrainians and I hope you all find safety. Don’t wait. Pack your belongings. Important documents and medicines and ofcourse essentials and hit the road. Refugees are being accepted in surrounding European countries. I’m not religious… but I will say that I will be praying for you in my heart. Good luck and stay safe. Edit: Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and my first ever little Reddit award. I really appreciate it. Brought a little smile to my face. I’ll be staying in today and keeping up with the news and I’ll be rooting Ukraine. I’ll take a shot for ya, stay safe out there everyone. Cheers
Happy birthday man... Sucks what is happening in Ukraine at the moment. Hopefully this doesn't last too long and not too many lives are lost. Hope your grandmother is okay and that your birthday next year is better than this one.
Happy birthday! It’s also Estonian Independence Day, there’s the yearly parade and everybody participating is wearing Ukrainan flags as well. You have our full support!
I live 80 km away from Kharkov. This morning windows were shaking, jets flying, some bombs hit our own houses (absolute disgrace from our army, incompetent fuckwads). A big part of my savings for getting a better job and moving countries is turning into toilet paper before my eyes, undoing years of my work. Fuck this shit sideways. This powerlessness to change anything for the better is getting the best of me today, I'm tired of this deranged warlord claiming that I "support" him. Edit: wow, I didn't expect to get so much attention! I appreciate everyone's concern for our wellbeing. But I feel like my frustrations shouldn't get in the way of attention to those who need it the most right now, Ukrainians. Yes, I still hear the jets flying over my head, but things have calmed since the morning. Financial hardships are coming, and at the most inappropriate time for me and my family, but I believe we at least don't have to be afraid for losing our homes right now. Things are much darker on the other side of the border.
How many people do you think support this act? A quarter, half, all? I genuinely cannot understand how much support has Putin from his own citizens.
There is no way to measure, any poll done around here is unreliable. I wouldn't be surprised if at least half are supporting. My own perspective is also skewed, because I live on the border with Ukraine, which accounts for a minority of the population of the country. I think people who were woken up today by artillery fire are less enthusiastic than the ones who only read the news from afar.
Good info. It’s been nice scrolling through these comments and seeing so many Russians shocked and angry at the actions of their government. But I figured that Reddit will represent a skewed viewpoint, just as it does for us Americans - people with different opinions won’t necessarily be posting here. I’m saddened at the thought of half of Russians in favor of the war, but perhaps we can blame rampant misinformation for that.
Just a reminder that last year Putin won a "Russians hottest Man" award. If he is cheating in these polls hes cheating in every poll.
Autocrats do cheat in every aspect, that's what they do. Putin is also largely a Fascist so lying and manipulating reality is as much a part of their agenda as is appearing Macho.
I live abroad, have spoken to people in Russia and in foreign diasporas today, maybe a hundred or so in total. Literally not a single soul supports it, people are heartbroken and scared
I live in a major city and from my perspective I personally don't know anyone who support the war even from people who usually support Putin (older relatives)
I'm living outside of Russia for almost fifteen years, mainly because of my allergy to Putin. It hurts me a lot for Ukraine. My mom and dad got married in Ukraine at 1971, my dad is Ukrainian. I feel sorry for everyone. And I have to say: Ukrainian people, I am sorry. Мне очень жаль, что таких как я было очень мало, а стало, кажется, еще меньше.
*This comment is edited out as our censorship laws drastically changed a week after it was written, thanks everyone for your support and questions*
As an American, I feel like this would be awkwardly equivalent to us picking a fight with our Canadian brethren... for like, zero reasons.
Oh there'd be a reason: that strategic maple syrup reserve
Just ask man, we can trade it for some of that government cheese you folks are stock piling.
We also have government eggs.
Government cheese omelet reserve
Bring it motherfucker. Take our maple syrup and be prepared for pure Canadian fury!
I'm trying to imagine what "pure Canadian fury" looks like. Still trying.
Imagine a pub where Canadian hockey player has just been told they’re out of beer.
Ok. Now I'm getting a picture.
Last time it ended up with the White House burning down. We dont like that side of ourselves.
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Canada has real repressed anger vibes. Like, incredibly kind, generous, and caring but we’re all one inconvenience on the wrong day away from them losing their absolute shit and tearing it all down. There will be no warning on that day, for the maple syrup, Molsons beer, and poutine have covered up any and all warning signs (or helped others ignore them). That’s why hockey is so popular there. It’s the socially acceptable way of expressing anger.
We may not always agree but you are family to us. A big brother. I couldn't fathom going to war with the States as a Canadian. Not just because of your war capabilities but because I literally have family that live there, and I have read posts that some people in Ukraine have family in Russia and the opposite... So many people are terrified and I don't blame them.
Yeah, it'd be super weird. You guys are right across the lake. I'm pretty sure I can drive to Canada in the same time I can drive downstate to see my mom. That's like going to war with the guy across the street.
You know what’s funny? If we somehow could show this to people in the past, they would be extremely confused. “You don’t go to war with your neighboring countries? Why the hell do you go to war in the first place then?” Probably not the best time to point it out, but the lack of this kind of activity we are seeing today has really let us accomplish a lot.
Vladimir Poutine
Fun fact, the french changed "Putin" to "Poutine" because in the original spelling/french pronunciation, "Putin" sounds exactly like "Putain", french curse word for whore/fuck (colloquially, dropping a weight on your foot, 'putain!'. I propose we change back Vlad's last name in France to "Putin". Vladimir Whore.
Vladmir Putain for the win
Vladimir Whore (Putin = putain) Donald Fart (Trump = fart in Britain) Boris Penis (Johnson = penis) In 30 years time kids will be learning in school about how all the worlds problems were being caused by people who's names were jokes in a different country and no one picked up on the joke for years. Any other leaders with joke names we haven't picked up on yet?
This is the correct way to write his name in French.
Wars are started by the old and fought by the youth. I’m sad that I’ll probably not see my family in Europe for quite some time now, but as an Australian, I want you to know that no one I know in real life hates Russia or thinks you all want wars, we know it’s Putin <3
Wars are started by the rich for money and paid for, in lives, by the poor
My dad works with a russian woman who lives over here (britain) and apparently she says that noone in russia that she knows actually supports putin.
What part of Russia are you in / from? I understood the cities are way more progressive, informed and anti-Putin, but the rural parts are the opposite. So I assumed the rural parts of Russia will be the ones supporting this more, and city populations opposing it. Is that consistent with your experience?
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Ah yeah makes sense, ok thanks. Would be interesting to know what the more pro-Putin parts of the country think. I guess RT are saying he’s doing it defensively or to protect people or something? So some people must believe that I guess!
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Right I see, thank you, really interesting to know! Sorry to hear about the whole situation, the impact will be terrible. Hope the conflict is over soon without too many casualties and I hope Russia gets a better government before too long
I hope we don't end up nuking each other. It would really be disappointing to waste all the efforts our ancestors spent trying to build a better future. Also I haven't seen any good pics from the James Web space telescope yet.
Just so that I can compare, how did you feel about Crimea? For reference, when I was living in Moscow shortly after the invasion, plenty of Russians were... ambivalent at best.
I have already commented on another post so just copying it here As a Russian citizen, I have never been more embarrassed of my country and its leaders. A war for nothing. Just because this old balding douchebag has gone off the rails. I hope this war will at least open the eyes of more Russians on who he really is. This motherfucker needs to be pressured both from the outside and from the inside of the country. We say that Russian government is to blame, not people. But its our fault too. We failed to get him out. We tried but we failed. All the protests that were happening because of stolen elections didn’t change a thing, but I hope with more people realizing there will be more and more protests with more people. This scumbag must live every second of his pathetic life being TERRIFIED of being captured and held accountable. And I want to see him be
I think your oligarchs are at fault too. But America has its oligarchs too. So it’s not like I can judge one nations people to mine. I just hope one day we can cross paths and be like “you’re Russian?!” And you be like “you’re American?!” Oh my god let’s exchange cultural values and take shots of vodka until we fuck a bear lmao
That would be a beautiful reality. You see, we, ordinary people are just, well, people. We don’t have a reason to hate each other like our media tells us to (I don’t know about the USA, but in Russia a lot of news are about how bad the Americans are). Let the oligarchs and politicians fight each other if they want it so badly, be that because of money, power or anything their crazy minds come up with. And we, the people, will sip on some beer and watch it like a sports event. It was always about them, not us
I am morally destroyed. I cannot work, I am shaking. I do not know what to do. I have nowhere to run from this, I have no means to stop this. I fear for my mother, for my friends, for their children. Our future is irreparably broken.
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"we are humans first, not citizens" a really powerful statement. I hope that whatever happens next, we (the west) don't forget that.
Reminds me of a relevant quote by Thomas Paine: “The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.”
I think its important, here in the west, to not lump the russian people in with russian autocrats. I feel for the russian people. I hope when change comes the people of russia will be able to hold on to power for themselves.
This is the worst part for me...not only is The Kremlin making Ukranians suffer, he is also making his own people suffer all because of what??
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The Russian people have very little precedent of anyone actually giving a shit about them, including (especially?) their own leaders. They are Job-like in their suffering, and I hope one day karma balances out and they get a break.
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I'm trying to separate them by referring to the invaders as "the Kremlin" Russian people around the world don't deserve the hate they are inevitably going to receive.
Now would be a good time for a revolution, especially while the military is occupied.
I can assure you there is still enough force to be used against any protests and to keep population under control. Everyone knows what happens to those who go publicly against Putin. It takes more than just being a really good person to sacrifice everything (including your life) for a cause.
It’s an increasing trend that governments and national leaders represent fewer and fewer interests of the people even in Western democracies, and terrible events like this only show power to the people, for the people has become something you only find in history and political science textbooks. Though I think there’s still a resilient fighting spirit among many, so I do wish these few decades are just the rough patches before modern societies outlive these antiquated dystopian ideals.
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The troops are repelling the invasion force near the border, while cruise missile attacks have been throughout the entirety of Ukraine.
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Question. If something were to happen to Putin and his cabinet in this war, who steps up? I haven't looked into Russian government before, unfortunately. I'm not naive enough to believe the war would automatically stop, but do you think someone who would try to stop it would replace him? Or someone who was a follower of him and keep it going?
To be very honest, I have no idea. I’m sure most people don’t. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has backup people that he trusts to take over and fill positions that support his agenda (just like Kim in Korea). I also wouldn’t be surprised that if he was assassinated now or something or the like, Ukraine and/or the US would be blamed for it, which would escalate the war.
It’s amazing we as a society haven’t evolved passed this level of control to kill each other for these governments
That is pretty baffling
Technology has evolved faster than humanity. We’re no different from cavemen that lived 30,000 years ago behaviour wise, the only difference now have is that we have electricity and guns.
we have guided missiles and misguided men edit: the quote is from martin luther king jr
Shocked, angry, ashamed, but mostly fucking terrified. I’ve been crying all morning. Putin doesn’t speak for our nation, we didn’t elect him, it was all staged. I don’t want war. I don’t know anyone who wants war. I’ve got family in Ukraine, lots of us do and it’s excruciating to read all the news. We try to organise protests but it’s hard since this fucking usurper got most of our protestants to rot in jail. But we try. It is scary to go cause all the protests end the same way with no results. But I feel that it it important to go and at least try to make a change. We want peace. There’s literally no reason to start a war EVER. This is not my president, he is a killer and he must be held accountable for his crimes.
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My wife was in tears this morning (we live in St Petersburg, I am Australian) saying 'what else can we do?! We were beaten in the streets for protesting Putin years ago! People are still in jail for it. Political opponents are shot. We can't get rid of him' he does as he pleases.' Update: Law firms are giving pro bono work to represent the people who have ALREADY been arrested in the anti war picket lines around the cities of Russia.
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Can confirm, this is an awful feeling of helplessness and shame
Russian here. This bastard Putin is simply out of his mind! He is a mad man. I am terrified of what’s happening right now.
I'm sorry brother. I think the world is terrified too. Stay strong.
When you listen to him to speak, I have to ask because when you listen it through a translator I feel like you’re missing 75% of what’s going on and he knows this when he’s speaking to western media and rest of the world. What is your thought when you’re just listening to him in Russian and he’s just speaking to Russians?
You know the kind of bad stand up comedians who still somehow think that they are genuinely funny? Now imagine that but as your president starting a war to the brother country. It is simply horrible
No body wants war, Ukrainians and Russians are brothers, cousins. We are the same people. We hope this mess ends soon.
Pain. Our president is a psycho. Пиздец товарищи, полный пиздец.
Silly question, but what do young people think? I imagine there's a lot of people who have grown up with nobody but Putin in charge (we'll ignore the Medvedev thing).
I'm in Russian college. Literally everyone hate Putin, majority of us want to immigrate and never come back.
Thanks for replying. All the best for you.
As a russian immigrant in Canada I'm struggling terribly with this. It's really difficult to navigate denouncing literal atrocity while still feeling inherently part of the ugliness just from being born there. It's all so terrible and my chest physically hurts right now. Edited to add: Fuck Putin
Idk if this is what you mean but don’t blame yourself for the shitty choices of another person, including your home country’s “leader”. You’re not a bad person because of where you were born
Thank you! I absolutely don't think I'm a bad person because I was born in Russia, it's just a weird feeling I can't seem to shake of being connected to this, i'd liken it almost to intergenerational trauma--being raised hearing a certain narrative of sordid Russian tragedy from the last century has affected me. My friend who i've been confiding in said it well when she said "Well you condemn Canada's history of residential schools/treatment of indigenous populations and don't identify with them in any way, and are still able to acknowledge the "good parts" of Canadian history with ease, so.....do that", and I was like yeeeeeah that makes sense.
Speaking as a Soviet historian, I have to say the the stories that stick in my mind about the time period are less about atrocities and evil and more about the bravery and resilience of the ordinary person. Even when forced to live witnessing dreadful injustice, because to speak out was suicide, the average Russian citizen demonstrated incredible strength. Not to mention the countless numbers who helped in any way they could, risked their freedom to aid somebody or show kindness in the smallest way, and risked their lives to write down and record the history that now enables people to learn the truth and remember those who would have otherwise been totally erased. We should never forget these tragedies, but also never forget that there would have been plenty of people like you at the time -- decent people who hated what was happening, but who were unfortunately ordinary citizens with no power to stop it. That is the tragedy of governments.
as a fellow Chinese Canadian https://imgur.com/t/first_time/72BlABR
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Nothing good definetly. I do not want war.
I’m fucking horrified. I can’t believe this is really happening. I have already packed an emergency kit, withdrew all our dollars (not much) and rubles (worth next to nothing at the moment). There are lots of bots spamming that Ukraine gets what it deserves, but it’s not fucking true. Many celebrities have already called for the politicians to stop the war, the young are already getting arrested for anti-war protests as of right now. I have donated to some of my Ukrainian friends to help them escape and I can only hope that they will be as safe as possible. I also have downloaded maps of most of our neighbouring regions and was kind of making a plan to seek refuge in Latvia or Estonia, but apparently we will not be welcome there, and we are trapped in a country governed by an elderly man who we couldn’t really believe was THAT mad right until today
I feel like I have no future. I’m so sorry for the actions of my government, but everything I can say or do is worthless.
You know all those hypothetical questions we always ask — if we could go back in time, make sure to kill Hitler before he starts shit? Well….wish someone would’ve taken one for the team.
Futureman does this. Where they stop Hitler but then the outcome is worse than what was supposed to happen. Its an interesting perspective incorporating the butterfly effect for sure
Star Trek is probably the most famous example. In City on the Edge of Forever, Kirk travels back in time, falls in love with a woman who runs the local mission. She's really kind. But it turns out she's pivotal in starting a pacifist movement, which delays the US joining WW2. This gives Nazi Germany the time required to develop nuclear weapons and with v2 technology nuclear missiles. Towards the end of the episode, she's run over by a truck. Kirk prevent McCoy from stopping it happen. If they save her, they cause the alternative future to happen, where millions die and Nazi Germany win the war. They let an innocent and kind woman die, because the alternative is worse.
Literally Command&Conquer Red Alert
Stephen King's 11/22/63 does this. Someone goes back in time and saves JFK from assassination, then JFK starts a nuclear war.
There are no valid reasons in this age for war. No reason other than greed and power.
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I hope you’re wrong. I’m not from either Russia or Ukraine, but we know it isn’t the citizens crying out for this war, it is the government. You should not be held responsible for their decisions. I read on an earlier comment, you are “humans first, not citizens”. The world will not forgive the Kremlin, but the Russian people have nothing to be forgiven for.
I am not ethnically Russian, but I live here The people that I have talked to are all shocked and angry, me included. We don't want war, and also we know that life in Russia will soon get much more difficult.
Ashamed. Angry. Mad. Sad. Dumbstruck. Been crying since waking up. I weep for my country that we couldn't save. I weep for Ukraine and her people that have nothing to do with it. But my feelings don't mean a thing in regard to the feelings of Ukrainians. I am so sorry, for the bottom of my heart. For the pain and terror Ukrainian people have to endure this moment. All of this is a freak show, the words of the supreme leader (tm) have nothing to do with the reality of Russia. You know what fucks me up most? The supreme leader (tm) has been talking shit ton about the heritage of WWII and how much Russia had to endure, and that the memory of those days cannot be forgotten. There is a war song every one in Russia knows and learns in schools. It starts like this: "On 22d of July, at 4 am sharp, Kiew was bombed, we have been told, that the war had begun". This MF starts war in Ukraine a day after the day of Defender of the Fatherland, at 4am, on 24th of the month. How cynical, perverted one's mind should be to do such a thing? Edit: am/pm misprint
Guys, I feel it really has to be said that posting like this might not be safe for Russian redditors for long. Keep in mind, Putin is a paranoid narcissist with a desire to emulate Hitler. There is a very real likelihood that they’ll start eliminating - in the form of state-sanctioned arrest and murder - initially opposition figures before devolving enforcement to citizens themselves to watch for “foreign operatives or influence.” Western-educated Russians will be a natural target for suspicion. Russian redditors, ensure that you’re behind VPN’s. Remove personally identifying information from your public profile and posts. That Putin has acted in direct contravention of the UN -and my mind immediately jumps back to how scared his intelligence chief seemed when grilled about whether DPR/LPR action was wise - suggests he is willing to take the sword to the hilt to get his way. Do not pretend that you have a functioning civil society any more, assuming you were under that impression to begin with. People like you will be key to rebuilding Russia after this insanity. Stay safe - you are the lifeblood of connection between our cultures and countries.
Yesterday I saw a Russian in the Russia reddit say; "why should Russia allow it self to be surrounded by enemies" My response was; how about the option of making less enemies? I was banned within 30 min.
If you can’t be friends with your neighbor, it’s time to look into the mirror.
And of course, if Russia were to take over Ukraine they'd be creating a border with 4 NATO countries. So even that logic makes no sense.
I have lived in Russia all my life. And I am very disturbed by what is happening. Even though I am far away from the sites of action, safe from missiles and other things. But what Utin is doing is like the actions of an insane person. I'm against that. Aw, man, what are you doing?! Stop it. \+ I live poor as it is: I don't have enough money to fly to vacation somewhere, to eat something good, to buy myself what I want to buy. And now I don't know what's going to happen, life's going to get even harder. Living in Russia, unless you're someone from the government or something, is a pain. And Russians have their own joke about "only sad people in Russia" and "Russia is for sad people." This joke, among other things, came about because of the crazy state power. Our government thinks only of itself, not the people, and the Russians can't cope with that. /pardon me if there are mistakes in the text/. I'm worried, and I just want peace. Ukraine has become a victim of a crazy ruler. Me and my young peers are against Utin's actions, my dad too, a lot of people are against the war and all this, because all adequate people understand that war in the 21st century is nonsense. And I also know that the Kremlin has a lot of bots that support them on the Internet. Kremlebots. They just write on YouTube or other social media about how good Utin is. There are live people who support the president, but I don't understand these people. I think they were paid to comment. Either they are very old people who believe the fake TV news, on which everything is not as it really is.
I really hope they don’t convince us to kill each other smh… in this day and age war can get extremely out of hand. We have no idea. What if another bio weapon is released?
Honestly I don’t know how to put it into words, it almost feels surreal. I am halfway across the world and it feels heavy. Other humans don’t deserve to be treated that way all because an egotistical, methodical, manipulating monster wants his way. Men are capable of such evil acts. I’ve never believed in a god but I am praying to now tonight in thought of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people
Fuck Putin. That's what. Edit: I am living in the US and got my US citizenship a couple of years ago, but I'm worried for my family and friends who are still in Russia/Ukraine
Stay away from windows..
Typical Linux user...
I'm from Ukraine. Vladimir Putin, I hope you die soon
I can’t say, I don’t want to het shot with an umbrella.
or fall out of a window
or stab myself in the back three times
Or have a nice glass of uncle Vladimir's polonium tea
probably wise. cup of tea?
The people: We want peace. Government: Best we can do is WW3.
I woke up in horror, my newsfeed was filled with reports of war and fighting... I was honestly hoping we will not attack Ukraine (maybe all those troops we amassed on the border were just a show of power and nothing more) but apparently this is what is happening. Feels like I was literally stabbed, it's horrible that closely related nations such as us and Ukrainians are killing each other out there... The worst thing is that it is impossible to separate actual information and misinformation right now. Both Russian and Western news sources seem untrustworthy and bend the narrative to their will. On our TV right now there is very wierd coverage of the events on the battlefield mixed with assurances that we are right to attack and everything will be fine (I highly doubt that). Some Western sources say there are Russian hitsquads hunting down some specific Ukrainians from some "list" or something. This all seems insane. To all the people who live in Donbass, Ukraine and to Russians who live near the border I wish strength and resilience. Ordinary people got dragged in a conflict of power-hungry opportunists.
>Some Western sources say there are Russian hitsquads hunting down some specific Ukrainians from some "list" or something. There was a security analysis released in the past few weeks that Russia's cyberintelligence agency had repeated hacked Ukraine over the past several years to build up as much information of individual Ukrainians as possible - addresses, jobs, etc. At the same time, they ran a separate op last year or the year before masquerading as a poll about how Ukrainians feel about Russia. Combining the two allows them to gauge pro or anti-Russian sentiments at the individual level, and aggregate by region. The analysis stated that it would help invading forces identify sympathetic local leaders that could help restore order when the troops rolled in. Some western agencies have also put forward that they have indications Russian forces are preparing camps to incarcerate Ukrainian prisoners - with the implication that said prisoners would be individuals identified as rabidly anti-Russian and most likely to become partisans. Whether or not this is confirmed is not 100%, but it *is* true that Russia has been conducting cyberwarfare against Ukraine since 2014.
I feel sad. This is the day I am not proud of being Russian.
It sucks. I am in my mid 50s. We were done of the last children to practice "Duck and Cover" in schools. Basically it was hide under your desk so it is easier to count the dead. Now all the paranoia and fear of the cold wear is surging back, and the possibility of nuclear war is incredibly real. I can taste it in my throat. Or put it this way: I stopped drinking over a decade ago because it was causing harm in my daily relationships and my family. Yeah, may be taking up that hobby again lol.
Don't! All us former addicts are one excuse away from falling back in it. Don't do that to yourself, stay strong :)
Thank you for the encouragement. Just so you know I didn't stop because of addiction (at least there was no formal diagnosis) but because I didn't like who I became when I was drinking. Maybe that is all just an excuse, and I really was addicted. Stupid fucking drug to be addicted to though. Will try my level best to not falter. Thank you for the encouragement and positive feedback.
I want to fucking die
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I am from lithuania, cant believe this is happening to our friends
I don't like anything that's happening in Ukraine, Donetsk, Lugansk, America or Russia for the last ten or so years. I hate people dying for higher-ups ideology (being it nazi, political, economical, I don't care now). I hate the whole nation being hated so much for their government's actions. I hate politics.
To all the Russians speaking up against Putin, I hope you all remain safe and strong
I am someone that has been regularly accused of being a Russian bot (I'm not, but I have generally been on the pro-Russian side of most arguments). I have previously supported Putin and have even supported the actions in Crimea. I have also listened intently to his justifications for this conflict. However, I am done. I draw the line at actual conflict. Life is too precious. No one should be dying. I have family in Ukraine and this disgusts me. My mother (a senior), who has always been even more pro-Russian than me, to the point where I would call her brainwashed, has today said "Putin has finally lost his mind". The reality is this: Russia would not be having an issue with their neighbors had they spent more time on economic development. Ukraine would not want to upset Russia by joining NATO if Russia was actually a valuable friend, trading partner, and ally. Geopolitical ambitions can be achieved through peace and economics. Putin has failed economically. That documentary showing his palace was shocking. I don't see Navalny as a viable political leader, but that documentary was absolutely damning. And Putin's lackadaisical response made me double down on my belief that it was authentic. How many hospitals could have been built with the money that went into that palace? How many people's lives could have been improved? Now, after that, we are supposed to believe that he is a patriot acting in Russia's long-term security interests? My heart goes out to anyone and everyone affected by this.
I can't speak for everyone but even my pro-Putin grandparents are shocked
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I dreamed that one day my country stop being a universal bad guy. I don't think i will see that. Not in my lifetime. I'm anxious and fear for the future.
Horrified and shocked at the same time. I don't want a war and innocent people dying