I’m Russian - AMA

[LillyCandC]

I moved here 15 years ago - ask me anything :-)

What’s the general feeling in Russia currently? Presumably you’re here but are able to access some Russian press, family contacts who still live there etc?

@CellarBellaatemycoal yes, I can. I read Russian news occasionally just to see what kind of twisted truth Putin’s propaganda came up with. The mood is vastly different. I’m from an affluent background and my family and some of my friends have fled Moscow pretty much straight after the invasion. I also have friends from all walks of life and the ones that can’t leave feel pretty deflated, some just carry on turning blind eye hoping it will blow over, some are actually doing pretty well as trade with China increased. No one supports Putin though

How much do your family and friends know about what is happening in Ukraine?

No one supports putin.

I find this hard to believe and makes me wonder if your truth is really the truth.

even hitler had supporters. Whilst I accept there must be many people who don’t support it, I’ve seen plenty of normal citizens (who had no need to) say they are 100% for the war and support putin.

So here is my question.

How can we trust the rest of what you say?

Thanks for coming on OP. I have so many questions! But first question is - are Russians ashamed or embarrassed about what is being done in their name?

Also, do you think people who have left Russia because of the war will ever go back?

@Justisme sorry I should’ve clarified none of my friends do. Not general public, of course. Now, my background is probably only 10% of the population. I went to Uni, I traveled, speak 5 languages. The majority of Russians are in poverty and don’t really have capacity to read or listen to anything other than mainstream news

That makes sense. Thank you

have you found other great you differently / unfairly? For context, I hope not

And which languages do you speak

@RampantIvy my family know pretty much all of it.

The Russian state media twists everything though. So it’s not talking about the war (or special operation), the main narrative is that Russia is trying to do a noble thing by “saving” Russia’s “little brother” from nazis and the West is just trying to stick their ore in because it wants to see Russia weak… if it makes sense?

@Byelaws sure! Good question, I’ve actually started this thread out of frustration and embarrassment all together. I’m also half Ukrainian. So it feels sometimes that the world just sees everyone as black and white. Normal Russians are of course embarrassed… but it’s a bit deeper than that. It’s the absolute loss of identity and hurt knowing that Ukrainians won’t look at us the same. For a long time in our society we used Russian and Ukrainian as pretty much interchangeable identities so it feels like a family tragedy.

those who left did not make that decision lightly and should the situation change, I’m sure they will be back in a heartbeat. It’s hard going somewhere where you feel like the whole world hates you.

We’ve seen pockets of resistance from women, mothers, in Russia reluctant to send their sons to fight this war . Can we expect more of this ? Will there be some sort of women’s revolution?

@Justisme i thought people might treat me differently but for now they haven’t. Those who know me treat me exactly the same. I hate those “where are you from?” questions from strangers though and try to make up a lie out of fear that they might think less of me.

languages - Russian, English, Spanish, German and French :-)

@CellarBellaatemycoal the reason why these women resist sending their sons as cannon fodder to the front line are the same as to why there won’t be any revolution, in my opinion. There’s no unity and everyone is afraid for their families.

Anything?

Okay.

What amazing Russian regional dishes will I probably never have heard of, but should really try?

My parents are /were Polish.
My father was put into a Russian prisoner of war camp when he was 14.
My mother was 3 months old when she and her family were placed in a German work camp.

I was born in England.

You would be very welcome into my home for a hearty meal and some choice spirits.
As would any German person.

I completely understand how you must be feeling right now.

I have nothing to ask you other than the perfect recipe/method of Russian Salad.
💐

is it true that most Russians keep their heads down and try not to have an opinion on politics in the hope that will give them the quietest life?

I bet Russia is absolutely beautiful in parts. Where is your favourite place? X

The only other Russians I know are ballet dancers. Did you have dance lessons as a child?

Can you recommend any decent Georgian restaurants in the U.K.? When I was in Moscow a few years ago, the Georgian restaurant I went to was amazing.

What is it about the Russian psychology that makes this war possible?

What are your favourite Russian restaurants in the UK?

What are your Christmas traditions ?

@FurryDandelionSeekingMissile hmm.. my English BIL really likes “golubtsy” which are cabbage parcels filled with meat and rice. I also highly recommend ‘vareniki’ which are like pelemeny (which you may have heard of) but sweet. And in the summer you may wish to try ‘okroshka’ , this one is a tad strange for English palate but very refreshing due to bread based drink it (Kvas) :-)

What do you miss most about Russia? I mean the Russia you experienced before you left.
The weather, the food etc.