[Paul_S]

I can't really argue with you but I have lots of sympathy for the kid despite him being a criminal. It's probably because I was born in a country occupied by Russia until the 90s and his is still and I can't bring myself to wish this unto anyone. It's probably not a good idea to trust a con-man but I think he's likely to become a net positive asset to society.

[theumask]

I'm also from a former soviet colony, but I have no sympathy for him, he'd be doing the same thing if he hadn't been caught. Yeah, he'll be a cybersecurity consultant and he will help the US government to improve its security.

[gdy]

You are misinformed, Belarus is not occupied by Russia.

[Paul_S]

Ah, yes. Back in the communist era my country was also an independent democracy (with electoral turnout of almost 100%, more democratic than the rotten west!) who just happened to be gloriously "cooperating" with our soviet brothers... and then there was reality.

[gdy]

You should read more about Russia-Belarus relations, like tensions regarding Eurasian Economic Union or Belarus's refusal to recognize independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia or Crimea reunification.

And, by the way, it's been more than 25 years since the dissolution of Soviet Union in case they haven't told you that after unfreezing you.

[JupiterMoon]

I was under the impression that Belarus is firmly under Moscow's influence?

[gdy]

Yep, constantly milking Moscow for money and refusing to recognize independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia or Crimea reunification.

[artmageddon]

He said "Until the 90s..."

[ldesegur]

"... occupied by Russia until the 90s and his is still."

which stands uncorrect.