A brave woman named Marina Ovsyannikova ran onto the live broadcast of Russia’s most-watched news show this week, carrying a poster denouncing fake news and shouting, “Stop the war!” As a Russian employee at the station, she was uniquely positioned to take a stand in front of millions of viewers. She saw her chance, and she took it. She has since been arrested for her actions.
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This incredible woman is one of many Russians who do not agree with Putin’s war on Ukraine. Ukrainians are not the only ones fleeing their country as a result of the war; Russians have been leaving in record numbers as well. Many of them are leaving hurriedly, with few belongings and no clear idea of what they will do next. It is already becoming more difficult to get out - flights are filling up, and some people who left have reported that they were questioned extensively at the border. One man had his phone taken by an official, who searched through his chats for evidence of support for the opposition of the war. Luckily, the man had deleted incriminating texts and was able to escape.
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The Washington Post has reported an uptick in anti-Russian sentiment in Europe. Brave people who fled Russia years ago, who never supported Putin and are actively speaking out against Russia’s actions, are now being harassed in the U.K. and around the world. These people do not deserve to be called “Killers” and “Putin’s Russians,” messages received by a fiercely anti-war activist living in the U.K.
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While the Western media is right to rally in support of Ukrainian refugees, Russians who are fleeing, protesting, and horrified by the war deserve our attention and respect as well.  These people have cast their lot by speaking up for democracy and peace - they will never be allowed to return to Russia. They stand with us. While we denounce Russia’s actions, we must be careful not to overlook the Russian citizens who are doing the same, often at a high personal cost.