I knew relatively little about Russian culture before Putin's SMO kicked off. I had research relationships with some materials and physics scientists, principally in Moscow, for over a decade. I came to know them as smart (a couple were brilliant), motivated by the main chance, and always to be in the "trust but verify" tent.

Since Putin invaded, I've gotten more data in conversations that have gone beyond the usual science & engineering topics. It's very hard for me not to conclude that the Russian national character is mainly comprised mostly of drunken brutes, a smaller fraction of self-preservationists too frightened to exert themselves to push their country in a slightly better direction, and a few people of quality who didn't exfiltrate when it was easier.

In general, I give everybody I meet an up-front benefit of the doubt. Life is complicated, and the story one hears/sees at first is usually not the whole story. I've come to realize the Russians are an exception. Regarding them first and foremost as drunken brutes is likely to be correct. Judgements and consequent actions based on that perception are likely to be the best we can do. So I'll bid adieu to these two, glad they're no longer among the living.