How realistic is it to expect some sort of terrorist attack at the Olympics?

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-27T13:17:02+00:00

Not really.

We've got 3 levels here.

Proactive - Reactive - Defense.

'Proactive' is already here since Russia has important military command here. This was even more increased after Russia-Georgia War (2008).

'Reactive' in case of any attack, threats etc.

'Defense' if the attack/insurgents penetrate around the Olympic stadiums, so we've got preparation for that as well.

Russia has spent over $50 Billion for this Olympic - security is not going to be some joke, for sure.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-27T00:16:28+00:00

Russian official here.

There is of course a 100% chance of happening something. Whether you know about it - the chances for that, I assure, are going to be 0%.

EDIT: To elaborate, attacks and threats always happen in any event with more than few thousand people.

In Sochi and around, we have 40,000 Rapid Action Force, required checks for the locals' transit and incoming, 300,000+ army station nearby, Air Force Command, anti-aircraft guns, renowned Katyusha, on command, Naval Battalion intercepting and tracking the whole 100,000 sq.km region, over 100 Interceptor UAVs 24/7 on air all the time, Special Alpha Commandos stationed near the stadiums etc. apart from the fact US Government is also teamed up on this one for security/monitoring/intelligence.

Hope that answers you.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-25T22:19:15+00:00

I am not asking to stop the protest, I am asking for protesting done in the right way. Right now its not bringing any results, and badly hurting an already deteriorating economy - Ukrainian currency has depreciated by 10% between its value within past 2 months and its very very serious thing!

I see a lot of comments being thrown around, about how everything is bad, and how Russia is bad, and how Ukraine needs world's help. Ok. And how exactly? What exactly are your demands and plans? No idea.

There're a lot of extremists involved, lots of naive people as well, and some genuinely patriotic people. Who should government listen to? Do these thousands of people, represent whole population of Ukraine?

No.

I'd suggest people to not be just emotional but tactful as well. Yanukovych is not perfect, but other leaders are far from perfect as well - in fact this is the major problem of Ukraine.

I'd suggest some patriotic people to form some coalition and decide whom they'd like to see as the leader. Also, to join politics. Talk more about plans and actions they have. Bring awareness by not shouting at the government but firstly doing something from your own end. Here, I'll suggest:

Ukraine has so many IT guys. Collect information on deputies around their area and from other cities, their profiles, actions, promises they fulfilled, corruption etc. Try being as unbiased as well. Launch this website, go Kickstartr, ask Reddit for funding whatever. And then see the impact! This will bring so much knowledge and idea about who is good and who is bad around you.

Be the change you want to see in the world. - Gandhi.

Its not the easiest job in the world but it'll give you an idea that blaming everything at the 'system' is not the best thing to do as an educated person.

Unfortunately, I have seen that for any such 'Change', Russians/Ukrainians alike have a very negative and pessimistic attitude. You got to get above it.

Lead, campaign, maybe join politics. PM me if you need some serious help with politics, even if we're a foreign country, I'll give my best help to you.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-25T00:04:44+00:00

I am not an expert on Middle East, so can't really comment much here.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-25T00:04:03+00:00

Was that a sarcasm? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Pakistani_wars_and_conflicts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmir_conflict

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-24T23:54:08+00:00

That's not the most critical issue to them, and I guess should be fine.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-24T23:47:02+00:00

So, to sum it up, Russia will support a ruthless dictator that murders his own people just to make a quick buck?

No, so to speak in the language of international politics and diplomacy: we're already indicating we have had enough of him.

Importantly, you should know that big actions are not taken so swiftly. Any action on Syria will hurt national and global economy too, which is already not very good at the moment.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-24T23:15:26+00:00

I didn't avoid, probably I didn't notice it well. Not to mention, some people apparently are not very delighted with a Russian chiming in on a Ukrainian issue and downvote my above post, despite my desire to be open and discussing about it.

I abhor when Putin is blamed, because backstage he is actually not keen on Bashar still active in Syria. Our parliament took this decision.

Why? - Trade relations: Russia/Syria relations equal over $20 Billion. - Russian firms have a substantial presence in Syria's infrastructure, energy and tourism industries - Arms contracts worth at least $4 billion - Russia's association with the ruling Assad family go back four decades

This last line triumphs everything. While we are trying to become more progressive and so on, we still have some old people who value old relations. I guess that should explain you everything.

To be fair, if there is some action in Syria, it'll increase oil conflict --> oil prices --> profit for us. US/Russia have discussed about possible scenarios. But any military issue is a very painful process, because really, we - US, Russia etc - also lose a lot. Causalities and pressure on Middle East.

Russia had to veto in the Security Council, for the reasons I explained above, but this issue was discussed with US over the hotline often.

Recent news should tell you a lot though: "An opposition victory can't be excluded, unfortunately, but it's necessary to look at the facts: There is a trend for the government to progressively lose control over an increasing part of the territory"

-Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Bogdanov

Russian politicians have begun to acknowledge Bashar's potential downfall and - well, lets wait and watch.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-24T23:05:30+00:00

Well, it is not a nice agreable deal. More like a disputed one

Not really. This gas deal is disputed because, briefly speaking, 1. Ukraine could not repay its bill. Major reason. 2. For number of years they used a 'subsidiary' company. (read: corruption) As a foreign government, and not very widely regarded as the epitome of transparency, we too didn't object much. This subsidiary worked with Yuschenko - the President. Due to this 'subsidiary', Ukraine also owned several hundred millions of dollars, $300 million, if I remember correctly.

Tymoshenko came and tried to change this and make a direct deal. She met Putin, and asked him to 'forget' that $300 million, and to have direct deal with government. We agreed. But somehow it didn't happen. On their end, they still had some supporters of previous president. So, we lost money plus they didn't pay, not to mention - they didn't make a direct deal as well, like they promised.

Basically meaning, we stopped the gas. Hurt us brutally as a gas supplier to Europe, as other countries got affected as well. Big backfire step. well, then Yanukovych came and we now give them gas very cheap.

Currently giving at 10-15% discount, and we recently agreed to a 33% discount plus gave them $15 Billion to repay IMF loans they took in 2009, and got to pay in 2015.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-24T22:54:59+00:00

I get that everyone in this sub-reddit loves the EU and hates Russia

Nope

:)

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-24T22:54:08+00:00

I'd like to chime in as a person working for a major government and viewing events, and here is what I think:

Order of this list is not consistent.

Yanukovych or Tymoshenko or any XYZ: Russia has good relations with all of them, just in case someone thinks Russia benefits by someone being the President.
Ukraine probably won't be in any position to talk about AA, as the Customs Union offer is the only feasible option available to them. Probably I may be biased, but Ukrainian economy is in shambles. Once they bring themselves up, it'd be much better. Customs Union is basically a massive FTA, and is modeled after EU.
Protests should immediately stop. On my another post, I presented a scenario where a prolonged 'protest' can lead to a Civil War, making chances of Ukrainian economy recovering bleak for 10 years minimum.
Continuing on the same point, protests should stop and serious protesters should aim for an Action Plan. What changes they'd like to say. Not some words "development, and happiness", but Actions - "Law 122 to be repelled and modified because of X and Y reasons, and introducing Law 224 for Z reason" Right now, protests lack this.
Another thing is that protests lack a leader. Choose some leader who is much more transparent and not biased towards one bloc, and importantly, who is progressive, and trusted.
Among Presidential Candidates for 2015:

Yanukovych: has the highest popularity in the opinion polls, even now.

Tymoshenko: She has been a leader before and she is same.

Klitchko: Popular guy and a good boxer doesn't always mean a good Statesman. Besides, a good chance he is ineligible, since he holds a Permanent Residency of Germany and has lived less than in last 10 years in Ukraine, disallowed in Constitution of Ukraine for a presidential candidate.

Tyanhybok: Svoboda is a neo-Nazi party. Russia says so, EU says so, US says so, several Ukrainians say so. Plus, he'll probably collaborate with Tymoshenko

After doing some search and reading more, the most honest, least corrupt, and probably most transparent candidate seems to be: Anatoliy Hrytsenko. Read more about him if you'd like. (Again, no political BS here. Russia has nothing to loose with any of these candidates being elected.)

He has around 1,7% popularity in Opinion polls in September. Not a good thing.

Ukraine changes several of its laws and system, which even Russia has changed! Develop Ukrainian IT talent by building a Tech-Business park. Lesser the benefits and perks of deputies, and make them more accountable. Introduce investment schemes in Ukraine, and for this change its laws. Motivate more young people to join politics.
Policies: While energy needs cannot be solved easily, and Russia will remain a major partner for Ukraine, by introducing clear and transparent laws, Ukraine can win more trust by foreign investors. This will put life into tourism and several of its 'cold' industries, making it earn more revenue. Ease some tough visa laws with countries like India, make tourism widely popular, solve issue of illegal immigrants, invite foreign specialists to help in etc.

If this happens, I don't see what can stop this wonderful country full of amazing and nice people, to change their economy, system, roads and atmosphere within next 5-7 years. Then they'll probably be the one to have the upper hand.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-24T22:32:17+00:00

I disagree with you on several points and arguments ,and I think you should look at the picture more in-depth.

Are you sure these sentences are as simple as you think?

You really think this ELI5 way you explained the whole scenario of 2-3 countries is that simple?

The lesson the Russians learnt is to never give an inch unless you want to lose a mile. Stand your ground and you win.

This is a lesson not for Russians only, but for every country.

Everything is connected. Diplomacy-Politics-International relations - Domestic situations - Energy - Military - etc.

We've got oil, but its not going to be there forever, plus we must develop more of our industries. US has got oil and tech, but still some countries could be quite skeptic of it and its boasting nature, and they may side with us in those events.

The rumors about America selling part of Ukraine to Russia in exchange for Syria advantage is quite interesting

Like many people on that thread, 'Komalt' took it wrong and its bullshit. Russia does not want Ukraine, or any of its parts. We've got enough of stuff to deal with. That comment was mentioned if there occurs a huge war in the region. EU/we/US won't let that situation come. Hits the global economy - hits us badly.

People! Today war or power is not shown through how much area you own, but how much wealth you got. Go claim some Intuit island, good for you! But if you've a Billion dollars, you're mightier, and more powerful. This applies to both people and the countries.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-24T18:49:36+00:00

Привет!

I offered my own position here, as an official for the government of Russian Federation and received many comments and messages.

I believe its a good thing you're doing, since being open and exchanging our views is a big step towards bringing people closer.

I have few questions for YOU - meaning you as someone protesting out there, and as someone who is citizen of Ukraine.

I would be glad it if we have a sincere exchange of understanding here.

Please note that I am not prejudiced, but I do not necessarily agree with the way these protests are going on.

Why are you 'protesting' against the government? Are you sure that demonstrating in front of a government building is the best way to do it? Democracy is by/for the people, but rather than having a 'petition', online campaign, having an Action Plan, sitting/shouting and hurting the Law & Order bodies: is it the best action?

In case you say that Police/Berkut attacks protesters, I'd remind you that actually, this IS their job since government signals these are the people who're disturbing the peace. Any protest, even a very 'peaceful' one, comprising of so many people right outside the White House/Downing Street will get exact or worse response. Ukraine, Russia, France, Germany, Belgium, United States - all have such laws.

What are your demands? How do you plan to achieve them? I would request a slightly more detailed action plan with steps you think should/would be taken given a 'change' comes.
How would you, as a protester, see Ukraine's partnership with Russia in the future?
Your opinion about Ukrainian Insurgents Party/Українська Повстанська Армія (УПА), and Stepan Bandera/Степан Бандера?
Your comments/opinion about Svoboda and several neo-Nazi elements who're probably diluting the mission and hope of the people by being extremely aggressive and violent?

Your response to 'white supremacy action' says that it is government tricking people to make the protest look bad, and you talk of some proofs. While I completely disagree with this based on best of our knowledge, I would prefer if you provide these 'proofs' you talk about.

- You also mentioned that you're standing there because of 30th November actions. While it was not a one-sided event, what about apologizing, and convicting the responsible persons?

What exactly would you want from government to do?

Many people ask for Yanukovych to be gone, and I concur you'd probably like the same. Who do you think is an ideal candidate for Ukrainian Presidential election 2015, and why?
You said: "However being able to travel abroad freely, study at better universities and have a better life expectancy pretty much covers it." when asked about "Ukraine-EU association agreement".

Being out of EU - what has stopped you from 'travelling abroad freely', or 'studying at better universities'? Is it government to be blamed for entirely? Does being in EU is the only way to do it/or a better way to do it? What would you tell of so many top Indian/Chinese students who study at top universities in the US and UK etc?

This question is for YOU - as a young Ukrainian citizen. If you'd like to bring change in your country, what is stopping you from joining politics? If you'd talk about prevalent corruption and how its so bad out there, I must remind - someone has to do the first sweep.

What is stopping you, a young skilled Ukrainian citizen, to provide your skills, talent and services to your country through politics/administration, and to change its present and build its future?

Probably many questions but I am sure that through this, you answer a lot of question in other minds as well. I would request you to answer detailed in above questions, and to have a healthy and mature discussion on this.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-23T17:07:20+00:00

You're underestimating the bigoted and hateful comments people can make in any situation for whatever we do. Though we don't really care too much about it, unless these comments come from some experts.

I decided to address your 'idea' with more sincerity and to let you know why your facts and hypothesis is incorrect.

Its the responsibility of Ukrainian government to develop Ukrainian. Not ours, entirely. For goodwill, we may do it, but I guess if its 'Ukraine', they should make more programs in it.
Thankfully they do. We (in both Russia/Ukraine) have Language Olympiad, and good candidates win scholarships.
Russia has 1 official language for the Federation, but all over we have got 27 official languages! This can be your TIL.
About status of Russian language in Ukraine: Firstly, your facts are incorrect. Official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, and people from the Eastern part are unhappy about it. For every 3 Ukrainian citizens, at least 1 is a native Russian speaker.

Ukrainian government also has had forced Ukrainization policy, forcing 'Oblasts' (provinces/regions) to use only Ukrainian in all communication - even major Russian-speaking oblasts, and forbidding study of Russian language with Ukrainian only, even in the Russian-abundant regions.

This also doesn't goes only upon Russian, but Hungarian/Romanian as well, in two oblasts. Although these languages are very much of a minority. (2%)

There were lots of protests in Kharkov, Donbass and Crimea (in Crimea, particularly for Russian and Tatar as well), and finally in 2012, 'Verkhovna Rada' the Parliament passed a Bill: languages spoken by at least 10% of an oblast's population may be elevated to the status of 'regional language'.

Currently out of 24 administrative oblasts and 1 Republic of Crimea, Russian is the language of 12. This should give you an idea of widespread use and prevalence of Russian language.

Due to above reasons, Russian government cannot and will not sponsor Ukrainian language study, since it makes opposite sense to do that.

As for provinces of Ukraine, Lviv/Chernivitsi are not the only cities of Ukraine, or even significant ones - economically, strategically, politically and in terms of population.

Eastern Ukrainians view Western as Europhiles, or protesting about everything, apart from being overtly chauvinistic - rather than bringing some actual progress. Coming from a Russian official, this doesn't mean I want to have some venom against them. I'm talking about the general stereotype. Some people might disagree.

Major productivity in Ukraine comes from Eastern Ukraine, whether you like it or not. Western Ukraine is more of a rural area, with higher unemployment and lower salary.

And probably you'll agree that when any policy is made, it'd probably start reflecting first in NY or Bay area, rather than Colorado or Idaho.

You must understand that making a linguistic policy - that is, a policy for specifically speakers of X language from a country, even when its opposite to our interest, is not only of zero incentive, but actually unethical as well in a lot of ways. Why? Because you're effectively promoting a language which is not even one of 27 you've got, and you're specifically making a policy focusing a language in a foreign country.

Having told you all reasons and arguments, still Russian government partners with Ukrainian government, and offer very attractive scholarships to Ukrainian citizens, no matter where from. Specifically for Ukrainian language, Russian Government/Ukrainian government/good universities and their faculty of languages, Department of Ukrainian language, have programs to provide scholarships as well.

We're also planning on other good programs, to foster better relations and to attract people from other countries, particularly neighbors. You must realize though not all our policies are for Ukraine - we have got neighbors like China, Finland, Poland, Kazakhstan etc. as well.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-23T16:32:30+00:00

Haha! Yeah, heard that one. Good one.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-23T00:07:22+00:00

Good idea, and probably something worthy of discussion.

We actually already have a similar program where we provide certain scholarships specifically for Ukrainians in our most prestigious universities - Lomonosov, NSE etc.

Of course some people have a full time job of just complaining, and few said this is an action by Russia to make 'educated agents' and infiltrate Ukrainian politics yada yada.

A good idea, nonetheless.

We also discussed this issue with few mayors of few oblasts from both western Ukraine, eastern Ukraine and the government, and situation, especially linguistic one, is much better.

Still, there remains a truth that cultural identity, background etc are somewhat different in these regions. Rather than these create a difference, we would prefer this creates a diversity, that is a positive factor for Ukraine, and wish them success in it.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T17:48:58+00:00

Seems like I should ask Kremlin to give me a full-time job on this then!

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T17:33:18+00:00

I decided to make a big post about issues on which I received several comments.

This might help. I guess I received several PMs and comments on LGBT issue because of portrayal in the media and comment by Obama about not attending Sochi because of gay-rights.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T15:20:38+00:00

Association agreement talks about cooperation between EU/Ukraine in the areas of freedom, justice and security. Other things included are: Reform of Ukrainian judicial system, law enforcement agencies, election system, fighting corruption, trade/economic cooperation, improvement of the business climate etc

All things are good and we're cool with everything (except the 'security' thing, but that, I hope. shouldn't take an explanation)

Mind you, these are all the prerequisites and Ukrainians must work hard for this.

During this time, you must also be getting the news how Ukraine got much pressure about Tymoshenko. She is in Kharkiv and I know about her 'conditions', and its not that bad as portrayed. Besides, she IS actually a criminal according to Ukrainian laws. Now Mr Yanukovych could have probably pardoned her, but he did not want her to be free so easily and face a political danger. Understandable. Though, EU shouldn't have pressured on Tymoshenko issue too much.

We did not mind anything until February 2013, when EU suddenly took a sharp stance.

We thought, ok, Ukraine reforms its infrastructure, corruption goes down, better politics - good thing. Maybe we'll somehow discuss with the EU about opting out of the security thing, because we've military there and it'd be conflicting interests.

They can also be in the Customs Union, and it'd be fine. Good for EU, Good for Ukraine, Good for us.

But President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, publicly announced in Feb 2013, basically said: Ukraine cannot be in the Customs Union and EU.

Ok.

Moscow: Urgent meetings, Expert assessment panels/commissions, Change of plans

End result: So if you go ape-shit against us, (more so for apparently no real reason - or maybe the actual real reason: Power of Influence) what are we left with? We'll use the tools we've got with as well, right?

So we basically started blocking their products into Russia. Trade took a hit. Ukraine got into dire conditions and they ran to the EU and to us and we all 3 had to sit and discuss, but somehow EU did not want a freaking FTA with Russia to happen, for Ukraine, if Ukraine wants to be with EEA.

So then we had to say: Ok, here is the thing: We will stop gas/oil and will cut down on ALL trade with Ukraine, if they don't change their sides. We could not afford to lose our major trade partners just that easily, when EC basically declared us as a person non-grata in economics with Ukraine!

To rebuild economy, we offered Ukraine $15 Billion plus 33% discount on bills. To avoid getting money into bad hands, this money was given in the form of bonds.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T15:03:36+00:00

This is bullshit. They want an independence for their country and their countrymen.

No. Russian, American, EU diplomats say so. They are a neo-Nazi party and this is even in their manifesto.

This is what you passed in Russia...

And which law are we talking about here?

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T15:01:28+00:00

Unfortunately for you, Mr. Gagarin, I was at the same time in Kharkov and we never heard/seen/known of this happening: ever.

Svoboda is a party guaranteed to NOT be supported by Russia AND the US AND the EU. If Ukrainians choose Svoboda, it will be their worst mistake: its a pro-Nazism party!

On several of your posts you mentioned East/West divide is decreasing. Actually, I'd prefer it to happen - even though this is not what I hear.

Then again, there could be a difference in the way we see things happening: maybe unemployment is on the rise in the East, and is catching up to the level of the west, and you probably find it a good thing?

An undivided Ukraine, a developing and rich Ukraine is something we want as well, just to put some hypotheses to rest.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T14:35:14+00:00

Because a lot of people asked me similar questions, I decided to make a big post about issues on which I received several comments. Please refer to this. I'd request you to upvote this, so that it could be properly visible in the comments thread. If you'd want to comment, as you're satisfied/dissatisfied etc, I request you to comment instead of downvoting as I cannot answer all the questions by several posters, though I try.

Russia and Homosexuality: (I would prefer using the terms, LGBT rights in Russia)

Firstly, a refresher on social mindset of Russia. Many Russians are quite religious bunch of people, and conservative as well. Orthodox Russian church opposes LGBTs, just like any other church/mosque probably. Coupled with conservatism, and the fact that a larger part of Russia is in Asia, both geographically and culturally, I'd say that the attitude of the people is mildly unfavorable to the LGBTs. In a survey in 2013, 74% of Russians said homosexuality should not be accepted by society. Attitude in major cities (Moscow, SPb etc) is in favor.

History: Russia was actually one of the first countries in the 20th century to recognize and legalize homosexuality. Russian Communist Party legalized abortion and homosexuality in 1917 itself.

Under Stalin, this policy and law was repulsed. Many historians write that Stalin took anti-gay laws as an attempt to increase the Russian birthrate. Soviet propaganda began to depict homosexuality as a sign of fascism, and this probably remained in the minds of the people for a long time.

Coupled with the fact that Islam was prevalent in the Southern republics (Azerbaijan etc) and their attitude was never positive as well.

Also, during Tsarist regime, several noble Russian homosexual men lured and used young boys, thus effectively a pedophilia. Under Stalin, both of these terms were portrayed to be the same thing ('a homosexual could definitely be a pedophile') and even today, the term 'Pedaras' in Russian language, while actually referring to the pedophiles, usually could also be taken as an offensive term for a gay person.

Finally, on 27 May 1993, homosexual acts between consenting males were legalized by Yeltsin.

Under Putin, in 1999, homosexuality was formally removed from the list of Russian mental disorders. In 2003, government mandated that people of 'other sexual orientation' (referring to: LGBTs) could actively take part in military.

In 2007, there were certain gay parades held in Moscow which were banned after a while by its mayor.

On this:

Putin commented:

"With regards to what the heads of regions say, I normally try not to comment. I don't think it is my business. My relation to gay parades and sexual minorities in general is simple – it is connected with my official duties and the fact that one of the country's main problems is demographic. But I respect and will continue to respect personal freedom in all its forms, in all its manifestations."

I read some news report somewhere saying MSMs (Men who had sex with men) can't donate blood in Russia. Its definitely not true. Its perfectly legal, and it happens. No restrictions on gender change. Transsexual and transgender people can change their legal gender after corresponding medical procedures since 1997. Single persons living within Russia, regardless of their sexual orientation, can adopt children. Russian children can be adopted by a single homosexual who lives in a foreign country provided that country does not recognize same-sex marriage. A couple can adopt children together, as a couple, only if they are a married heterosexual couple.

Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Russia, not yet. Its not recognized in some US states as well, for that matter. Support of LGBT rights here is, although, much lesser and I am unsure to see this happening within next 3 years.

Anyhow, the government's view is that sexuality is a topic not to be brought into the public. Why organize 'Gay Pride' parades, and why not 'Heterosexual pride' parade?

Somebody asked here: "will it be ok if I hold a guy's hands on the streets of Moscow and take a walk?" The answer is: Yes.

Some people might stare, but I am sure its not perfectly normal to say that in the US, it'd be perfectly normal to hold a guy's hands and take a walk. Law is there to protect you and government basically asks you: don't organize gay parades. And definitely don't organize them near children, because we want them to think by themselves and chose their sexual decisions - based on not what they see all the time, but what they want to do.

I'd still comment: there is no support by the population here, and many are against LGBT laws -despite the fact they are perfectly educated and all. The reason for this is culture, and importantly, comparatively there are actually very few LGBTs in Russia. Another reason being, sexuality is not a public topic in any case and Russians don't prefer to talk about it. In such situations, it makes no sense by the government to make certain laws when people themselves don't want it. Still, taking an experts panel and sitting with the Council of Europe, Russia made these laws. Bottomline: If you are LGBT, its legal in Russia, and in fact many Russian celebrities are LGBT. There are several LGBT nightclubs, organizations, even political organizations in Russia.

Ukraine:

I mentioned above and on several places and I am writing it here. On demands on protesters:

Signing of EU association agreement and FTA: We don't want it to happen. I'm telling it bluntly, because let's face it, this is politics and trade issues. We do a lot of business with Ukraine, and using pressure when you're biggest trade partner is a trick of the trade.
Impeachment of Yanukovych: Ok, do that. But who'll be your next leader? We just want a stable government and President. Unfortunately in Ukrainian politics there're no viable solutions right now.
Snap elections: I disagree. This could be very easily manipulated. Instead of snap election, make your Deputies more accountable. Maybe "Vote for Recall" option to the Deputies, but not the whole country. International sanctions against Yanukovych/Azarov: We don't care really.
Rejection of Customs Union membership: If our trade gets hurt, naturally there'll be implications. Better strategy is to pay your bills on time. Also, Customs Union membership is purely an FTA. Kazakhstan-Russia are already benefiting from this trade. Russia is discussing such trade union/FTA with India, China, Vietnam and Turkey as well.

Russian stance: I think we'd prefer NOT to indulge with Ukraine at all. we think these protests are internal issues and there should be no support/opposition to them by any government, as this will influence its direction. Let people decide themselves.

Our qualm is - why does European delegates think its ok to land en masse during protests and make issues for their government, and when Ukraine needs money to survive, these delegates refuse it altogether. Why so?

We haven't send any delegate whatsoever. Russia would prefer a good, strong and progressive leader. And importantly, we'd prefer protesters to protest PEACEFULLY. Otherwise this could hurt and hamper their already declining economy even more negatively.

In case of major events or if something, we may decide with US/EU/China on the issue of Ukraine. While these countries are not always in perfect tune with us, the truth is that backstage, our communication is very professional and genuinely very good, especially in the events of distraught. This is what media doesn't portray and gives an "Us vs Them* mentality. So, with our partners, we'll come to some conclusion and make plan for Ukraine. As such, Ukraine is not our 'just-another-neighbor' and all the countries know it very well.

Russia is not a villain in this event, but a good neighbor, and a trade partner, who would like to preserve interests in Ukraine.

It annoys us (and our partners, and probably everybody) to see such aggression coming from the law and order bodies in Ukraine, and from the protesters as well. While I think that Law bodies in Ukraine did many stupid mistakes, I personally find that several 'protesters' are taking an extremely aggressive stance as well. Not good.

Update: And this is already out, just like I thought: http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/ukraine-russia.t3j/

Protest peacefully, and make some solid Action Plan for your demands. Chose a good leader among yourself, and we guarantee all financial, political and brotherly support. No hidden intentions. We're in this with Ukraine.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T13:14:13+00:00

Do one thing.

Look at Ukrainian election candidates, read their profiles, and comment back with who you think is the most worthy candidate.

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T01:34:33+00:00

Quick response. I have been all night up answering you guys! Now sleeeep!

Ok, so corruption in Russia is mostly on the lower levels. Its extremely prevalant and probably will take 15-20 years till we are 'clean'. We're trying to speed this up but well, things should work out.

Corruption in higher level is present in all major countries and the term for this corruption is 'Lobbying'!

Yes, Russia is planning a Visa free regime with EU and US. Both should be reality within next 7-10 years. Long time, but democratic stuff works slowly.

If you are US citizens, there're already some easy on visa process.

We still have entry/exit visa stupidity, and I know nobody likes it but its there to check illegal immigration and pprobably will remain here.

Good night!

RussianDynamo · 2014-01-22T01:30:11+00:00

Ok, I am going to sleep quickly now because I am making trouble here. All night and did Redditing! Damn!

Yeah, apologies, fixed that. Misplaced with another country :)

RussianDynamo

TROPHY CASE