With my mother near our house in May 2001. (Mother died 1.5 years later)

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I was born in Russia (then it was called RSFSR and was part of the Soviet Union) and I lived there most of my life: studied, worked, and served in the Army.

Russian culture, language, mentality, traditions, food, nature and landscapes — all this is dear to me. I will never cease to be Russian, even when I acquire another citizenship.

But there is also something that I hate about Russia. It is the criminal regime headed by Putin and his KGB clique. In my opinion, it is these people who are real terrorists. And they have seized the whole country. My country.

It would not have been possible, if the people had not let them. This is the root of the problem: in the post-perestroika years many Russians turned either ultra-nationalist or indifferent to politics. The civil society and its backbone, the middle class, have not really developed. Not more than 10% of the population support democratic values.

Undoubtedly, it is the consequence of the 70-year Communist rule, which systematically eliminated dissidents, all talented people who tried to think and act independently of the state. It is the consequence of economic hardships, which took a heavy toll on the population, especially the elderly. And also it is the consequence of post-imperial syndrome, which many Russians still cannot overcome.

The way to democracy for Russia will be long. It may take several generations...

I hope that these pages will let you better understand my country.