Today there is a
war between Russia and Ukraine, between two countries that through history have
been parts of one state. People in both countries are affected in extremely negative
ways by the current situation. After all there are lot of legacies and
connections between the two countries’ inhabitants. And this tragedy is happening
on a continent where many used to believe that war for territories were parts
of history. Even if Russia is the biggest country in the world the Kreml has
played the really nasty nationalist card. The annexation of Crimea has resulted
in national pride and stronger trust in the government and Putin. But there are
also other kinds of consequences. The increasing state spending for Crimea,
sanctions and isolation from Europe and the negative publicity for Russia. And
also a grievance among the citizens who are against the war.
Anti-war
protestors in Russia are clear with one message. The war between “Russian and Ukrainian
brothers” must stop immediate. At the same time the absurdity of the Russian
state and pro-state propaganda is the opinions that Russians and Ukrainians are
the same people, with the same “civilizational destiny” and that Ukrainian
language is just a dialect of Russia. At the same time Ukrainians are called
for fascists, traitors and according to some propagandists even conspirators
with the West against Russia.
When I look at
the pictures form anti-war marches in Moscow, S:t Petersburg and other parts of
Russia I am foremost glad to see all the people that have courage to dare to
stand against the aggression against Ukraine. It reminds me how people in
Serbia during the 90’s dared to stand against aggressions against Croatia and
Bosnia. And also about the people in Western Balkans that used too and still
are used to fight against the corruption, hate, nationalism and inter-ethnical violence.
About those who are engaged for Serbian and Bosnian EU membership, for welfare societies
and better functional democracies where focus should be on the future and not
on the tragedies of the past.
Because of the
citizens that during the last days have been demonstrating against the war it
is important to continue with different supports to democratic movements in
Russia. In the future it would be a great benefit for Europe and Russia if
Russia can be a democratic state integrated within the union. And the people
that are demonstrating today may just be the democratic citizens, social activists
and leaders of tomorrow.
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