fbpx
Telli Menüü

Russia and Russians – a diplomat’s insights

Historian Margus Laidre—Estonia’s ambassador to Russia, a top veteran diplomat with previous major postings—gave a lengthy pre-Christmas interview to Estonian Public Broadcasting. His astute observations of the current socio-political landscape in Russia help us understand the complexities of an invading country. The following is a summarized free translation of some parts of the interview.

Laas Leivat, toimetaja
Laas Leivat, editor

Since the West sees Russia as not winning the war, do Russians blame the leadership for this? …. There are many Russias within one state, many communities of varying mindsets. Communities distant from major cities are more loyal and patriotic, areas where TV is the major information source (and government controlled, ed.).

People in St. Petersburg and Moscow have access to a wider info spectrum. But, being better informed of the true facts of the war, they distance themselves from it, saying it isn’t their war.

The real income of ordinary Russians has decreased 10 to 15 times, which is nothing new, and sanctions are affecting the lives of all. But Russians ask why they’re being punished and not those who are responsible? However the unrest felt by large city residents still isn’t enough to influence the leadership.

Täismahus artikkel on loetav Eesti Elu tellijatele

Igal nädalal toome me sinuni kõige olulisemad kogukonna uudised ja eksklusiivsed lood uutelt kolumnistidelt. Räägime eestlastele südamelähedastest teemadest, kogukonna tegijatest ja sündmustest. Loodame sinu toele, et meie kogukonna leht jätkuks pikkadeks aastateks.

Hind alates $2.30 nädalas.

Vaata tellimispakette

Loe edasi