I see--so much emotion involved. Russia needs a good economy, but most rich countries are so far from it. Many western Europeans, who are closer to Russia, are personally afraid to be there. At the same time, we disagree with the RF regarding arms trade with terrorist regimes like Iran and Syria, seeing freedoms taken away from its citizens, and the like.
While working for an employer a few years ago, I delivered products to a small business that employed a few Russian former combat soldiers. Seeing that I was also a former soldier (as we who were once combat line can often see), they were very much on edge during the first few deliveries. But they learned to trust and to relax, in time. They appeared to be clean-cut and generally clean, although their Greek boss did not.
"Many western Europeans, who are closer to Russia, are personally afraid to be there."
Gee, I wonder why? I correspond with a number of Europeans close to the border. I will email them and ask them why Russia gives them the jitters. I will start with my buddy in Finland, and then post their responses one by one to the appropriate thread (maybe I will create a thread for their responses...could be very educational). BTW, thanks for your posts. Too many people are afraid of the Putin uber allis crowd. I think it's about high time FReepers get to speak their mind on the subject of Russo/US/European/etc relations--TTS