Pretty much, yeah. It’s just sort of depressing seeing what people think(?) and then spend their time writing.

When it comes to Russia - Ukraine war, I think people outside of Russia’s doorstep have really weird, theorethical, warped perception of what it means and how it impacts the region.

It can probably be said about most wars, the people the closest to it are the most aware of the nuances, history and reprocussions of it, but since this is such a high profile, global system shaking war, a lot more people feel like pitching into the conversation and from what I see in the comments under articles like this, the people who decide to leave a comment either haven’t lived under authoritarian rule or haven’t lived in a post-authoritarian rule society.

I’m trying to choose my words carefully here because I don’t want to bash communism and make it seem inherently opressive, although I think there are better socialist alternatives to communism.

So what I mean is, I get bummed out when I see comments that feel completely detached from reality and I should just stop reading the comments under these threads.

Removed by mod

Why do I keep reading the comments on shit like this?

By “we” I assume you mean Americans? I’m a Latvian and from my perspective, you don’t have to give too much of a shit about the states you named. A lot of them are doing just fine. Especially Poland, Czechia and Slovenia.

What I personally care about, not just when it comes to Americans, is a bit more of a spine. I’m sure Putin would break faster if the pressure was harder. And I’m sure Europe could take the discomforts of war time economy. Instead there’s been pussyfooting.

That said, I’m just an average Joe, I might just be ignorant.

You’re aware that there are more Slavs than Russians tho, right? For example, Ukrainians are Slavs.

Historically, Russia has never cared much for the written law. They’ll just throw shit at the Western wall until something sticks or until they get what they want by violence and intimidation. Same as they always have.

Start naming 😄 I wouldn’t say most. Britain, France, Prussia, Austro-Hungarian Empire, France and Russia had their little swingers club changing partners every few years or so, but there are more countries in Europe.

I’m from Latvia. Russian chauvinism is something I know of first hand. Most other European countries that I have been to have a different, more accepting vibe than the parts that are Russian influenced and manipulated.

So it really can’t be said about most European countries. Maybe historically, but definitely not currently.

I’d like to reitarate that there are good people everywhere. Part of my family is Russian and I like them. I have Russian friends. But it can’t be denied that as a state it’s goddamn awful and should disintegrate asap.

There are good people everywhere.

Doesn’t really change the fact that Russia, more or less in its current form, has been bullying its neighbours for half a millenia. Longer, if you count the Grand Duchy of Moscow as Russia.