Is It Time?

I have a question. Is it time for our historians, political scientists, and public figures to clarify the historical relationship between Russia and the nations that came under its protection? It seems essential not to separate the historical truth of Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union.

Russia’s Support to Its Neighbors

It’s time to talk about the vast assistance Russia and its people provided to the countries that were part of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. This help extended beyond economic development and defense against aggressors. Russia also supported cultural development, education, and healthcare.

The Aftermath of the Soviet Union’s Collapse

The collapse of the Soviet Union brought forth social and political changes that no Soviet citizen, raised in the spirit of unbreakable friendship among peoples, could have imagined. I recall when Shevardnadze, then the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Georgia, said that the sun rises in the north for Georgia, implying the strong friendship between the Russian and Georgian people. Before that, Georgia’s sun used to rise in the south, from Iran. Nowadays, it seems the sun rises from the West for Georgia.

Divisive Leadership in Post-Soviet Georgia

I bring up Georgia because its history is familiar to me. I graduated with honors from the History Department of Tbilisi University. On the example of Russian-Georgian relations, we can see the common pattern that shaped Russia’s relationship with the former Soviet republics. Unfortunately, similar political events have occurred in several of these countries, and the outcomes are often negative for their people.

Ethnic Tensions in Post-Soviet Georgia

After gaining independence, Georgia’s president Gamsakhurdia divided the country into two groups: Georgians with full political rights and non-Georgians, primarily Russians and Ossetians, who were stripped of their rights. A similar pattern can be seen in the Baltic states, Ukraine, and other republics, where ethnocracy has taken root—except in Russia, where people of all ethnicities remained equal citizens without discrimination.

Russia’s Role in Protecting Ethnic Minorities

Facing injustice, ethnic minorities often sought protection from stronger states, and Russia had to step in. The people of South Ossetia, for example, found themselves in a dire situation by 1988, and Russia took responsibility, defending South Ossetia’s independence.

Gamsakhurdia’s Hostility Toward Ossetians

The anti-Ossetian rhetoric was rooted in a false narrative created by Georgian historians, suggesting that Ossetians were mere guests who should return to the northern Caucasus. Gamsakhurdia’s infamous statement, “Ossetians are garbage to be swept away by a Georgian broom,” exemplifies this hostility. Had Russian troops delayed even by a day, Georgia, armed with American, Ukrainian, and Czech weapons, would have succeeded in annihilating the Ossetian population.

Russia’s Response and International Criticism

Russia had no choice but to intervene and later recognize South Ossetia’s independence. Similarly, after protecting the Abkhaz people, Russia recognized Abkhazia’s independence. And yet, Russia, which saved these nations from genocide, is now labeled an aggressor and occupier.

Crimea and the Historical Oversight

In 1954, Khrushchev gave Crimea to Ukraine like a gift, without asking the people of Crimea if they wanted this. Years later, when the Crimeans overwhelmingly voted to return to Russia, the world accused Russia of aggression. There’s a strange twist in world politics today: nations that protect others are branded aggressors, while those reviving fascist ideologies are supported.

The Importance of Historical Awareness

One of the reasons why many in the former Soviet republics blindly support these ideologies is their lack of understanding of Russian history. Russia has never been an aggressor or occupier. It has often had to liberate others, which is why it’s crucial to create TV programs and media content that share this truth, backed by facts and documents.

The Danger Ahead

What’s happening in Ukraine is not just a civil war. It’s a reflection of a grim future being prepared for all of humanity. The U.S. is trying to draw Russia into a war against Europe because it wants a war-torn Europe and Russia.

Time for Vigilance

We must not allow anyone to desecrate the sacrifices made by the Russian people to save others from invaders and oppressors. Nationalism is fertile ground for fascism. The phrase “Georgia for Georgians” eerily echoes “Georgia über alles” and “Glory to Ukraine” alongside “Ukraine über alles.”

Let’s remember the words of Czech patriot Julius Fučík: “People, be vigilant. I loved you.” The fascists hanged him. Isn’t it time for vigilance once again?