I think many would, if they can find a state who gives them papers instead. Being stateless is no fun.

Yea I can't imagine. The whole situation is just shit and it is all because of one guy.

My wild hope for this situation is that somehow Putin and his gang are ousted, and we can Marshall Plan Russia into a successful, prosperous European democracy. Even make them a partner with NATO like we tried to do before. Admittedly the Russian people would have to want that, so that's a precondition, but I'm hopeful.

> it is all because of one guy.

It's not. There's many ways in which you can get in contact with russians. And many of them actually support putin.

Yes, you can say people are indoctrinated. But maybe so is putin - that's the problem with determinism.

hitler was not one guy. putin is not one guy.

I'm against lifting sanctions when putin dies. Much more has to be done.

Yea you’re right.

North Korea imprisons friends and family of their defectors, btw.

Yep. And to take this further this would be like someone strongly supporting the North Korean regime and then when they faced the consequences of their actions just skipped down to South Korea and lived happily ever after while millions have suffered for the regime you actively supported. Sorry no sympathy.