EDITOR'S CORNER: Should Russians Be Blamed for Putin’s War?

This post may spark controversy, but it’s a discussion we can’t avoid in today’s war landscape. Should ordinary Russians be forced to pay the price for Putin’s war — or should the burden fall solely on oligarchs and siloviki?

Sanctions on the “little man” may feel unjust, yet sparing them entirely raises its own moral and strategic dilemmas. Who should justly bear the cost?

THE IDEA OF “RUSSKYI MYR”

We’ve talked before about how Putin wants to unite Russian speakers under Russia’s influence, much like in the Soviet era. This idea of “Russkyi Mir” — the Russian World — is a key part of why he invaded Ukraine. He doesn’t fully recognize Ukraine as an independent country, seeing it instead as part of Russia’s historical and cultural sphere.

Putin has even said that any place where Russian soldiers have set foot could be considered Russian — a very imperial way of thinking.

It’s also worth noting that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania each have significant Russian-speaking populations. These countries now have language and residency requirements that mean Russian speakers must learn the local language to keep certain legal rights. While it’s not automatically a deportation to Russia, failure to comply can force people to leave the country.

HOW ARE NORMAL PEOPLE TO BLAME?

At first glance, it seems wrong to blame everyday Russians for the war. It’s not their fault, and it’s not their choice. And that’s partly true. Russians are living under a regime that has tightened the noose on nearly every freedom — traveling, internet access, studying abroad, or even living in another country is fraught with difficulty.

But there’s another side. Many Russians quietly support the invasion. Silence can speak as loudly as consent. Yet it’s complicated: in Russia, protest can mean jail — or death. Anyone who has lived under such repression knows how dangerous it is to speak out.

So yes, we can sympathize with those trapped inside Russia. But what about Russians living freely in the West? Are they still complicit by staying silent?

WE OPPOSE PUTIN…ONLY PUTIN!

Recently, reports surfaced that the European Commission was considering a full ban on Russian tourists entering the EU as part of its sanctions targeting Moscow over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In response, Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, expressed disappointment with the proposal, urging the EU not to impose such restrictions on ordinary Russians.

Her comments sparked controversy, coinciding with reports of Russian drones breaching Polish airspace and a significant drone strike hitting Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.

This episode highlights the delicate balance between punishing a regime and protecting ordinary citizens. In times of war, the line is blurry, and every decision carries moral and political weight.

MY OPINION

This blog is hard to write because I’m torn about what’s right. On one hand, ordinary Russians suffer under Putin’s regime. But on the other, why so much silence? How many millions must be wounded or killed before the country rises up? Yes, Putin is powerful, but he is not stronger than a united population.

Some will die — that is inevitable. But isn’t it better to die for freedom and a better future than on the battlefield, fueling more suffering for generations to come?

And what about Russians living in the West? They have full and unfiltered access to the horrors being committed by their government. To stay silent in the face of such atrocities is nothing short of sacrilege. 

Of course, some fear retaliation against family back home. But many do not — they have the freedom, the platform, and the safety to speak out and make clear that they do not support the war in Ukraine. Silence from them is a moral failure.

Finally, the Russian opposition, including Yuliia Navalnya, must lead with courage and consistency. Half-hearted protests or occasional statements are not enough. They must inspire ordinary Russians, provide a clear roadmap for resistance, and show the world that there is a real alternative to tyranny. 

Leadership in these times requires visibility, courage, and unwavering commitment. Anything less leaves the country trapped in fear, with little hope of ever becoming free and democratic. The time for hesitation is over — bold, decisive action is the only way to secure a future Russia can be proud of.

CONCLUSION 

Ordinary Russians are caught between suffering under Putin’s regime and remaining silent while their government wages war. Those living in the West, with full knowledge of the atrocities, cannot stay passive without moral consequence, while those inside face repression and danger.

The Russian opposition, including figures like Yuliia Navalnya, must lead with courage and total commitment. Without bold, visible action, fear will dominate, and hope for a free, democratic Russia will fade.