A threatened Russian restaurant in Lille, a cultural center in Paris fired on with an incendiary device… Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, by the decision of Vladimir Putin, Russians living in France, or official representations of the country, have been targeted by threats, insults or humiliation. Some have testified to 20 Minutes. Artur, 48, explains that he is afraid to “speak Russian,” his native language, “with my family members in front of other people.” Although he does not have Russian citizenship, he knows that his name and his “Slavic accent” could embarrass him if he had to look for a job. “We must stop this spiral of racism against Russians, because it affects all people without distinction, including the most peaceful people who are against war! he evaluates.
Katya, 30, is also of “Russian origin and French nationality.” The girl received “derogatory comments and remarks” on social networks, “because she was born in Russia.” “I find it so stupid and stupid that in 2022 we can come to this,” she emphasizes. Michel, 46, also saw “inappropriate comments on online forums directed against the entire Russian community.” But “no big deal,” he says. “People are usually smart enough to understand things,” he continues. For example, I attended a mass organized by the Greek Catholic Church, we prayed for Ukraine, but also for Russia. »
“The fault of Putin and only Putin”
“You have to make a distinction between populations and governments,” says Loeti, a reader who posted on his favorite newspaper’s Facebook page. “The people of Ukraine are suffering, and I support them. Now, when you see how Putin represses his people, it is also sad. Especially since people often have families on both sides,” she notes. “My wife is Russian, she is against Putin’s war, like many Russians,” says Jean-Marie. For Sandra, “you shouldn’t mix things up.” “The Russians can do nothing about the insanity of their president,” she explains. Joe, he draws a parallel with the Chinese, who in the early months of the pandemic were targeted by people “really stupid.”
“The Russian people have nothing to do” with the war in Ukraine, Ines believes for her part. Russians, she says, are “very warm people.” “Putin and only Putin are to blame for all this. Fanny does not understand “people who insult and threaten the Russian people with what is happening.” “It’s not their fault. Not because their president made such a decision, they necessarily agree with it. It’s stupid to generalize like that. “The Russian people are not responsible for the madness of their president!” “, Dominique also emphasizes. Corinne urges the French to show “a little common sense”. She wishes “good luck to our pacifist Russian friends.”