The two faces of Russia ... Through my Slavic studies and a few stays in Russia stretching over several years, I have a very close connection to this country and its inhabitants. I have had so many positive experiences and encounters in Russia, had and have Russian friends and speak no other foreign language as well as Russian. So, it is all the worse for me that it is this of all countries that is responsible for so much suffering and death in Ukraine and that so many Russians support Putin's actions.