Russian woman who made Highlands her home says her country of birth doesn't want Vladimir Putin's war with Ukraine – and tips only way to stop him
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A Russian woman who has lived in the Highlands for more than 23 years said she fears that the only way war in Ukraine can be ended will be for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to be brought down from inside his own country.
Elena Reid (52) has been promoting Russian culture through the Highland-Russia Connection and has worked with the Nairn link of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, which was founded by the late Tom Heggie.
“The work we did with the Highland-Russian Connection promoted Russian culture with many events,” she said.
“It was supported by many locals and ex-USSR citizens from various different republics. But we stayed away from politics.
“The lifeline supported children and families in Belarus who suffered from the nuclear fallout of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
“What’s happening now in the Ukraine will damage Russia for many years. We don’t know what the outcome will be but the Russian people know they will be seen as a pariah state not to be trusted. After decades of peace following the Cold War, it’s a tragedy.
“Putin along with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko are two long-standing monsters and everyone hopes they will pack their bags soon.
“The people of Russia do not want this war.”
“I’ve spoken to people in both Russia and Belarus, as well as Ukraine, and they are all terrified. People in Belarus are just as scared as they witnessed Russian troops and military vehicles pass through their streets in preparation for the invasion.
“It’s shocking that in the 21st century the world has come to this, another war because of one man who keeps control and who is out of his mind. People are losing their lives because of one man’s decision.
“There are Russian veterans who fought in the World War II and civilians who survived the horrors now campaigning for peace.
“But people are afraid they will be locked up.
“The only way they can be stopped is from inside their government or by the people of the country overthrowing them but it’s so difficult as they control the media in their respective countries and condemn any radical opponents or protesters.
“Most decent Russian people, along with the rest of the world, are behind Ukraine. Everyone wants peace and the sooner the better.”
Mrs Reid said since the break-up of the Soviet Union the relationship between Russia and the UK has blown hot and cold.
“I don’t have family in Ukraine but my heart goes out to the Ukrainian people,” she said. “I’m still in touch with families from the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline who have come to the Highlands for respite and they are terrified because this is out of control. We could never have foreseen this.”
