[EugeneOZ]

Very funny to read this absurd. I respect Ukrainians, and we (russians) have a lot of common traditions and culture. Ask yourself, what nationality had Gogol? Is it russian or ukrainian writer? You have reasons to hate Putin, not Russia.

[lubonay]

They also have very valid reasons to hate Stalin. Since these are the most prominent heads of state of the USSR and the modern Russian Federation, they pretty much represent Russia. If you think Russia has more to offer Ukraine than genocide and invasion, maybe speak up in your own country against these things.

[EugeneOZ]

I could name few assholes from any nation, could argue that Mussolini doesn't represent italians as a nation, or french/britain/spain tyrans don't represent nobody except themselves. But I see you are deafened by hate.

[Retric]

Vladimir Putin has been ruling Russia for over 15 years and is still in charge. So for now he really does represent Russia.

[EugeneOZ]

Mmm.. Where is logical link between "15 years" and "does represent"? He will rule until death, as all dictators. It doesn't represent nothing. But if you just looking for reasons to hate Russia together with putin - nothing will help. People love and hate what they want to love or hate, arguing here is pointless.

[Retric]

I don't care even slightly about Putin, the link is as an entrenched dictator Russia's government represents his will. People who dislike Putin are completely reasonable to not want to be part of a country run by the guy.

PS: I find it odd that Dictators get a bad rap when kings get a good one.

[EugeneOZ]

We have bad kings too, no worries. People who dislike Putin can still love their country, traditions and culture. Some of them are waiting while Putin will die, or will be killed. Some are trying to make changes. Read about Franco, how long he was not representing Spain.

[anthonybsd]

>Ask yourself, what nationality had Gogol?

This is just silly. It's like saying "Steven Seagal is proof that America and Russia are very close"

[magic_quotes]

No, not that silly.

The thing there is that Gogol never wrote in ukranian language, despite writing quite a few things rooted in ukrainian culture. I'm not sure whether it actually supports anything, but it is basically a russian meme at this point.

[EugeneOZ]

You better read first what Gogol was saying about that.

[kislotnik]

Each nation deserves the leader they have. Before Putin there was Stalin, before Stalin there was Lenin, before him there were tsars, before them there was the Golden Horde (that has destroyed Kyivan Rus and later collapsed and gave birth to Russia). Leave us alone, dammit :)

[EugeneOZ]

Last sentence address to Putin, please. I personally have never been thinking about anything what could offend Ukrainian sovereignty. And don't trust stories about "86%".