Russian people dislike Estonia

Sergei Matvienko, the son of the mayor of St. Petersburg, announced today that he is giving up his Estonian residency, withdrawing all his business interest and selling off his property in Estonia (Демонтаж Сергея Матвиенко). The announcement comes one month after the Bronze Soldier events, which apparently triggered his decision. What was he waiting for so long? Call me a realist, but I have hard time believing that a rich businessman would give up good profits for an arguable mater of ideology.

The decision is Mr. Matvienko’s to make. I cannot say that I am devastated by the prospect of loosing a bunch of filthy-rich “new Russians” residing on a private island in Tallinn. Neither do I believe that their absence is going to be a blow on Estonian economy. In this situation, I want to say a simple British “hmm…” with a shrug.

It is a different matter that worries me in the news – the decision came under the pressure of acutely negative Russian public opinion towards Estonia. Apparently, Mr. Matvienko has been under fire for his Estonian business long before the last month’s scandal. What irks the Russians in this matter? According to the news, it is the idea that a rich Russian businessman is investing into the economy of a hostile neighbour, while Russia could do with more investments into its own economy.

A public opinion poll, conducted by a Russian company earlier in May, shows that 53% of Russians support breaking all diplomatic ties with Estonia (Россияне наполовину порвали с Эстонией). It looks like all but the 3% who did not know how to answer the question, disapproved of the decision to move the Bronze Soldier. Curiously, if I had to answer in the same poll, I would not find a box to tick, which would properly represent my view on the matter – supporting or understanding the Estonian side is not even an option.

President Putin openly announced that Estonians had betrayed his farther who was fighting in Estonia in WWII and, at one point, had to hide from the Nazis in the forest (Behind Putin's Estonia Complex). Estonian country folks, who were bringing food to the hiding Russian soldiers, eventually gave them up to the Germans. It was a twisty story. No wonder Russian president doesn’t like Estonians. But Russians love their president, so here you go.

Estonians, however, do not share similar sentiments. No matter how much Estonians despise Russian state-sanctioned propaganda and brainwashing against our country, we can hardly match the vigour and imagination of Russians in showing our indignation.

At the same time, in a Russian town of Stavropol, two gangs met up in a forest and had a massive fight (Чем дальше в лес, тем больше скинхедов). Hundreds (!) of young people were beating each other, killing one Chechen student and injuring many more, in the course of “resolving misunderstandings”, while police was watching the events from a distance. The Russian news report that the clash between apparently Slavic and Caucasian (from the Caucasus) gangs was of purely ethnic character, but there is no official comment on the events.

Russian racism is not conspiracy, paranoia or urban legend – it is a reality. Now, do remind me – why did they call Estonians Nazis and fascists?

PS Links in the posting are pointing to the news, from which the information is gathered. The Moscow Times article about Putin is very good (and in English). Other articles are in Russian. The picture is from Postimees.
PPS Being of half-Slavic and half-Estonian origin, such postings do not come easy, despite the mocking tone.