Russians who have Left and Those who Remain Understand Each Other Ever Less Well, Narintskaya Says

Paul Goble

            Staunton, May 29 – Anna Narinskaya, a Russian who left but returned for a visit, says that between those who left and those who remain ever greater and understanding between the two groups becoming ever less possible, with neither capable of recognizing just hw different their situations are.

Given how much attention the emigration now receives and how much its leaders aspire to speak not only for themselves but to and for many Russians who remain, this growing divide needs to be recognized by all who want to assess the emigration and its potential role (moscowtimes.ru/2023/05/29/perebranka-cherez-granitsu-uehavshie-i-ostavshiesya-vse-menshe-ponimayut-drug-druga-a44375).

Those abroad who can speak and act without much fear of any consequences increasingly are viewed as if they are on another planet by those who remain in Russia and know that almost any action they take which is at odds with the Kremlin has the potential to bring increasingly serious negative consequences are on their way to becoming two entirely different groups.

Obviously, a single report like Narinskaya’s is not sufficient to draw radical conclusions; but what she is saying rings true and should be integrated into discussions  about what the emigration can and cannot do and also about what those who have not let can and cannot do – and the possibilities of the two groups understanding each other and working together.