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by nocubicles 850 days ago
You seem to think about your reputation and your future.

But by staying in Russia and paying your taxes you contribute to the war effort. You are part of it. In my opinion leave. That makes Russias economy weaker and therefore easier for us to defend against Russias aggressions. Who knows maybe tomorrow you are on the frontlines and being pushed to kill others like so many your countryman do everyday.

3 comments

Most of Russia's income comes from selling hydrocarbons, and I don't think any private individual's taxes can make a substantial dent in that. I mean, Russia is expected to make over $110bn next year selling hydrocarbons. How much one programmer's income taxes can change in that? Of course it matters as a question of personal conscience, but one has also to understand if you look at the overall numbers, it wouldn't change anything.
There are also Russians staying in Russia who try to fight the regime from inside, and that is also a morally correct approach to things. Actually, given Russia is supported by other countries including PRC, I think Putin's regime is more likely to fall due to internal rather than external pressure.
see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inner_emigration#Controversy

(if you do a text search of german newspapers, it's striking that the only people left using the word "Nazi" after 1933 were doing so from outside the country: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38732297 )

some people are also willing to suffer greatly for their beliefs (if recent events don't provide an example, see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Willems )

By staying in Russia and paying his taxes he also raises the chances that his countrymen won't be killed by the Ukrainians. Who knows maybe even some of his friends will get mobilized and be among those saved by his taxes.