Should Pro-Putin Russians Living in Europe Be Deported Back to Russia in View of Their Anti-Free World Stance?

The question of whether pro-Putin Russians living in Europe should be deported back to Russia due to their stance against the free world has sparked significant debate.

The Pro-Putin Argument

Some argue that pro-Putin Russians should be deported because their support for Russia's actions in Ukraine is fundamentally at odds with the principles of freedom and democracy upheld in Europe. Russia's forceful imposition of its rule, including the killing and deportation of locals, is viewed as a justification for such action. Therefore, if a Russian citizen in a civilized country supports these actions, shouldn't they return to their native land rather than remain in a free and developed society?

Supporters of this view believe that the free world should not have to bear the burden of individuals who openly oppose its values. They argue that if one chooses to support actions that deny others the right to live in a civilized world, they should not be allowed to benefit from the freedoms and protections of that world.

The Case of a Pro-Putin Slovak Citizen

An example of a pro-Putin Russian challenging this ethos is a Slovak citizen who held pro-Russian views and decided to emigrate to Russia. Their decision was driven by rising prices, opposition to European Union policies, and the growing acceptance of LGBT people in Western countries. However, the Slovak faced up to six years in prison for crossing the border illegally, despite being deported back to Slovakia.

His account of being imprisoned in Russia includes descriptions of harsh conditions such as hunger, cockroaches, threats, and cold. This stark contrast between fleeing the EU and potentially entering a 'Land of Promise' underscores the harsh realities faced by those seeking to leave the 'vile free world' for Russia.

The Opposition to Deportation

Others strongly oppose the deportation of pro-Putin Russians. They argue that while individuals should be free to choose their allegiances, deportation by force would be a form of discrimination and undermining the principles of freedom of speech and personal choice.

Supporters of this view emphasize that those who advocate for freedom of speech must tolerate viewpoints that differ from their own. Most Russians living abroad, especially since the start of the war in Ukraine, have maintained a low profile and not caused any trouble. There is little evidence of them actively opposing their host countries or causing significant issues.

Furthermore, many pro-Putin Russians support Putin due to economic and national interests rather than a broader anti-free world stance. The opposition to the war in Ukraine, while strong, is seen as separate from the issue of personal rights and freedoms.

Conclusion

The debate over whether pro-Putin Russians should be deported is complex and multifaceted. While some argue for deportation as a means to uphold the free world's principles, others see it as a violation of personal freedoms and speech. The resolution to this issue ultimately depends on the balance between upholding democratic values and respecting individual choices and human rights.