NewGrad1212

I haven't seen much of an LGBTQ community, but I'm sure it exists underground. I think this is less because of Putin, and more due to the majority of Russians being conservative/traditional.

To give you an idea, here's and ad that ran when they were voting on allowing gay marriage youtube

The tax rate is a flat 13%. Interests rates are pretty high. For example, buying an apartment the average rate is around 10%, but if you have a kid it's 5.3%.

The basic cable comes with BBC, CNN International, some Japanese news network and Russia Today as english news stations.

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If Ukraine joins NATO, that is no military threat to Russia at all. NATO does not use its military force to expand and take over other sovereign nations.

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If Ukraine joins NATO, what happens with Crimea? Right now the U.S. and other NATO members don't recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea as legit. If Ukraine becomes a member, will NATO recognize Russia's occupation of Crimea as an act of war, and then assist Ukraine in ridding the occupiers?

Crimea is of huge importance to Russia. It seems like it would be in Russia's best interest to not take any chances and prevent Ukraine from becoming a NATO member.

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The first time I heard it was in reference to a kitchen appliance, but I also heard it in reference to Russian cars.

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The expression I hear often is "if you want to become a mechanic, buy a Lada (Russian car)."

Also, you mentioned your friend is a reservist in the Ukranian ground forces. Therefore I'd imagine his views are definitely biased against Russia. And your friends you have visited in Ukraine, if met through him, probably share those biases, all of which affect your views of how Ukranians think of Russia.

I'm not saying you are wrong, but I think you are oversensationalizing the hatred Ukranians have for Russia.

I have Ukranian friends in Moscow who moved here because it is easier to find a job. All of whom have family back in Ukraine (Kyiv and Crimea). According to them it is about a 50/50 split between Pro-Ukraine and Pro-Russia, with the Pro-Ukraine group being more vocal.

With that being said, most people here are worried about NATO expansion, they don't care about claiming Ukraine because it is "rightfully Russia's."

Putin wants NATO's assurance that Ukraine will never become a member, and they are reluctant to give it.

It won't just be Donbass. Russia needs a buffer and, without any agreement, Russia will make their own buffer.

The question the west needs to ask is, "is the Ukraine worth a war?"

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I mentioned that I would never be caught dead traveling to (or anywhere around) Russia and they thought that was just so small-minded and ridiculous

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If you are someone who travels internationally and likes to see historic places, then Russia should be on your list.

I understand wanting to go to European countries first, and I would agree. But to count out Russia completely would be a mistake in my opinion.

These are Supreme Court justices making emotional arguments over law. The end is near...

Kind of like what you are seeking with your post...

Moving...you never realize how much shite you have.