'Too nervous to leave the house' - Russian nationals facing local hostility

Russian islanders have faced hostility from some of Guernsey’s community as some consider them responsible for the Ukraine invasion.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, who has family links to Russia and Ukraine, has been contacted by islanders saying they feel too nervous to leave the house. Others were fearing for their jobs, and some have begun the process of renouncing their Russian citizenships.

Along with other parents, she heard reports of Russian children being bullied at school since the conflict started.

‘I assume that people think anything to do with Russia is not welcome, it’s become a bit of a taboo,’ said Deputy Kazantseva-Miller.

‘There is an extreme fear that some people feel – I have Russian history myself, I can tell how difficult it is to have Russian history right now. You feel a sort of global hate.’

At school, her children have heard Russian people described as evil.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 30582338)

‘We have approached the school to try and understand their position and to make them aware of things – the schools want to take the right approach. Children have a simplistic way of viewing the news and they listen to what their parents say.

‘I don’t think it’s parents telling them these things, they just pick things up. It’s easier to paint the world in black and white,’ she said.

Despite the country’s strict laws against protesting and collective action, protests against Putin’s insurgency are still being organised in Moscow and other major cities in the country.

‘It’s tragic for Russian people still there who don’t have the full picture. If they knew the full picture there would be even bigger protests.

'I feel devastated by the situation – it is tragic and traumatic for Ukrainians but also Russians and the rest of the world. It is never a win-win in war, we’re all losers in that way.’

She encouraged people to show understanding.

‘We need to be compassionate and open to experiences of both sides and find ways to move beyond aggression – we are repeating cycles of history. I cannot deny my history, I am proud of where I come from,’ Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said.

Maria Chamberlain, who is from Russia, said she was concerned that her daughter might experience bullying at school.

‘We were afraid there would be some bullying, but it has nothing to do with her, she has a British passport and grew up here,’ she said.

Following the news of the invasion, the school’s head teacher approached Mrs Chamberlain to say the school would be monitoring the situation to be sure there was no hostility towards her daughter.

‘Russians are being blamed for everything these days – we don’t want war either. Both sides are suffering and I have friends who are leaving Moscow because of everything.

'I think overall Guernsey has been good and understanding.’