Aimar Ventsel: What does Natasha think of Estonia?

Aimar Ventsel writes about his relative Natasha, who lives in Russia, and her attitudes toward Estonia. According to Ventsel, people like Natasha do not change, despite the hopes of those who believe in "good Russians."

Aimar Ventsel has written an opinion piece about his relative Natasha, who lives in Russia, and how she perceives Estonia. The piece addresses a question many people living in Estonia have asked themselves: can ordinary Russian citizens distance themselves from their country's politics and the propaganda that accompanies it?

According to Ventsel, Natasha's example offers food for thought for those who believe in the existence and capacity for change among so-called good Russians. Ventsel is skeptical: in his assessment, people like Natasha do not change regardless of how much optimists might hope they will. This stance reflects a broader debate taking place in Estonia and across the West – how to regard ordinary Russian citizens who are not active supporters of the war, yet do not resist it either.

The issue is particularly acute for Estonia, as a large portion of the population is Russian-speaking and many have relatives and acquaintances in Russia. The question of what is happening in the minds and hearts of ordinary Russian people is not merely academic – it directly affects Estonia's security policy and social cohesion.

Ventsel's opinion piece invites readers to consider whether hope for a Russian civic awakening is justified or rather an illusion that reality does not support.