Does anyone know anyone in Russia?

I know someone whose daughter-in-law is Russian with parents living in Moscow; he is more sympathetic to Putin/Russia and blames NATO for its 'aggressive tactics in trying to make the countries bordering Russia join them'. They (Russian parents) believe Ukraine provoked the war and Putin simply sent Russian forces to calm things down; the conflict was engineered by the West.

What I find particularly sad is that ordinary Russians are being blamed and penalised. There’s a tremendous amount of support and sympathy for the Ukranians, but not a word for the Russians. The sanctions are going to hit hard people like you and me, as always.

If I were your Russian friend Sago, my response would have been exactly the same. I too would have said what was safe and expected and kept my thoughts and fears to myself.

People in Russia are too frightened to say anything. 10,000 Russian people (in total) have been arrested in protests that took place in Moscow, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg for protesting against the ' special military operation' as it must be called by law.
The law was changed and writing, broadcasting or saying anything against the ' special military operation' will get you a treason charge and 15 years in prison. So, if you want a criminal record for the rest of your days, protest or criticise the Russian government at your peril. Sanctions are kicking in, there are shortages of buckwheat and grain, like us, they are having price increases for food. Many Russians are being made redundant as companies leave/ close down. There were huge queues in Ikea over there before it closed with staff in tears as they lose their jobs. Russians are being abused online and elsewhere as other people blame them for the ' special military operation' in Ukraine. Many Russians have fled Russia for Georgia. Many Russians are frightened for the future. Many Russians are broken- hearted as they have family and friends in Ukraine.

Yes we do, we sent a message to say how sorry we were, the response was; Russia is strong, we will win and this will be all over in a month.
She is as hard as nails.

I don’t know the answer Lizbethann but feel so sad for the whole tragic situation. Thought all this would have been a thing of the past, after the Cold War years.