I am a citizen of the Soviet and the citizen of the Russian Federation. I was born on September 15, 1930. I served 30 years in the Air Defence Forces as a Colonel. I am a historian and a participant of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

I remember vividly the tense military and political situation that arose globally in October 1962. John Kennedy saved the world from destruction. We all should be grateful to him. And he was assassinated. We all thought that the lesson from Cuba would stay with humanity forever. Alas, greed, malice, and historical animosity towards each other are creating a catastrophic situation in the world. The declaration of war in Ukraine is very hard for me personally because I served in Ukraine and am quite familiar with this wonderful nation.

#The bond between Russians and Ukrainians There were many Ukrainians in the Soviet army, both as conscripts and officers. They served and fulfilled their duties precisely and clearly. Many Ukrainians set an example in fulfilling their military duties for others. I had many officer friends during my service. I cannot understand how I could pick up a rifle and shoot at my former comrade with whom I was friends. And it’s not just that. With this decision, we have sown deep-seated animosity between the Russian and Ukrainian peoples. We have accomplished what the CIA has been persistently and longingly seeking.

#The roots of the conflict Searching for the reasons for today’s hostile relations not only with Ukraine but with all the former Soviet republics in Lenin’s and Stalin’s time is not just laughable but also repugnant. Yes, the Soviet authorities had many negatives, but animosity between peoples was nipped in the bud. How the Bolsheviks achieved this should have been studied. Why did Russophobia flourish so vigorously in the Soviet Union? Could the reason be within us, Russians?

I remember about 15-17 years ago, the New Year began with new unpleasantness between Russia and Ukraine due to gas prices. I witnessed a certain arrogant attitude towards the Chechen delegation from Yeltsin. The Chechens are a proud people, and “his majesty” did not take that into account, leading to bloodshed.

We couldn’t find common ground with an independent Ukraine, and blood is being shed. How to explain to a mother of a soldier who died in this war for what noble ideals her son died? That someone attacked our homeland?

When a soldier dies defending the homeland from enemies, such a soldier is posthumously honoured. But when they portray him as the attacker, there is no glory in that.

#The consequences of the war There is yet another circumstance. In 2008, Russia defended a small nation from a Georgian attack. The global media slandered extensively, claiming that supposedly Russia attacked defenceless Georgia.

I cannot imagine how they will write, speak, or show Russia now when Russia indeed attacked Ukraine to prevent it from using nuclear weapons, which Ukraine doesn’t possess yet, against Russia. And we have tens, if not hundreds, and thousands of them.

The entire world despises us. The great Russian people, who have repeatedly saved humanity, do not deserve this. The military operation in Ukraine causes fear in other neighbouring republics. And if they didn’t consider joining NATO before this operation, they will surely think about it now.