Summary

Russians in the public eye, particularly oligarchs and sportsmen, are under pressure to publicly condemn President Putin and the invasion of Ukraine, despite the potential personal and familial risks involved.

Abstract

The article discusses the intense scrutiny faced by prominent Russians, including Oleg Deripaska and Roman Abramovich, to openly criticize their government's actions in Ukraine. It highlights incidents where Russian public figures have been targeted for their silence or neutrality, which is perceived as complicity with the Kremlin's policies. Ukrainian figures, like footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko, have publicly challenged their Russian counterparts to use their influence to condemn Putin. However, the article acknowledges the complex situation for Russians abroad, who fear for the safety of their families in Russia and potential repercussions, including banishment, if they speak out against the Russian president. Despite these risks, some Russians have bravely voiced their opposition to the war, though they are often not in the public eye like sportsmen and oligarchs who face a global audience and greater expectations to take a stand.

Opinions

The article suggests that silence from Russian public figures is akin to violence, implying a moral obligation to speak out against the war.
There is an expectation that influential Russians, especially those with a multi-million audience, should use their platform to denounce Putin's actions.
Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska and others who have not explicitly condemned the war are seen as supportive of it, leading to protests and squatting in Deripaska's London apartment.
The article points out that even expressions of a desire for peace without direct criticism of Putin are viewed as inadequate and evasive.
The Klitschko brothers believe that Russian boxer Dmitry Bivol should not be afforded the opportunity to fight Canelo Alvarez due to his nationality and perceived inaction.
The article recognizes the bravery of ordinary Russians who have condemned the war on social media, contrasting their actions with the more guarded responses of public figures.

Is Silence Really Violence?

Should Russians come out and say what side they are on?

Russians in the public eye have been urged to come out and condemn their president and the war against Ukraine.

Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska’s London apartment was targeted by protesters on his balcony for any involvement he may have in the war.

The Oligarch’s home has been taken by squatters for refugees. He has been targeted for supporting the war by not condemning it. The message ‘silence is violence’ is being pushed. And raised against other Russians who haven't openly acknowledged and opposed the events taking place.

We have seen many Oligarch’s facing tough sanctions since the evasion started. Arguably the most famous Russian in the UK, Roman Abramovich has been slammed for refusing to say much or blast Putin publically.

Even Russian sportsmen are being heavily ridiculed for not taking an open, pro-Ukraine stance.

Ukrainian Footballer, Oleksandr Zinchenko has called out Russian footballers for not publically attacking Putin for what he is doing:

In the hands of Russian footballers multi-million audience.

“People love you, they support you and listen to your words. Therefore, to remain silent is a crime.

Russian Boxer Bivol has landed a fight with the biggest name in boxing, Canelo Alvarez. The Klitschko brothers (Ex-heavyweight champions from Ukraine) believe he should not get the opportunity for being Russian.

Dmitry Bivol has echoed the thoughts of many other famous Russians who state they just want peace and do not want to talk politics.

But this response is seen as a copout. We want them to come out and publicly slam their own president.

But if they did this, this would likely come at a cost. They are Russian citizens with families in Russia. They are trying not to say too much and look out for their loved ones. And you have to understand that.

I have seen many Russians on social media come out and condemn the actions of their president and say how wrong they think it is. Which is very brave in itself.

But these people are not in the public eye and are less likely to receive backlash and repercussions.

Famous professional sportsmen know that their opinions will be seen. And could lead to horrible outcomes.

Oligarchs know that any badmouth of Putin could lead to banishment.

Through the use of propaganda and the ideology that the war is “good” for the people of Ukraine, some Russians still support this evasion.

But even those who don’t, and are ballsey enough to speak up and express their disapproval, put their livelihood and the lives of their loved ones at risk.

It is a horrible position to be in for all involved.

If you were in the shoes of one of these famous Russians, would you be brave enough to speak up?