The rise of anti-Russian sentiment in Europe
Eurovision News Spotlight
The growth of anti-Russian sentiment refers to an increase in negative attitudes, opinions, or hostility towards Russia, its government, or its people. Anti-Russian sentiment can be driven by a combination of geopolitical factors, historical context, media coverage, and public opinion. The impact and beneficiaries can vary depending on specific circumstances and regional dynamics.
Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, an act that received extensive condemnation in the Western world, political leaders, Western Allies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have consistently voiced their disapproval of Russia. This collective opposition has significantly influenced public opinion regarding Russia and its people on a global scale.
“All Russian living in Western countries should be monitored,” says Czech president
During an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Natalie Sedletska in Prague in June, Czech President Petr Pavel expressed his belief that security services must monitor all Russians residing in Western nations as it is a necessary measure during times of war.
“I believe that — as in the case of a number of world conflicts in the past — when there is an ongoing war, the security measures related to Russian nationals should be stricter than in normal times. So all Russians living in Western countries should be monitored much more than in the past because they are citizens of a nation that leads an aggressive war. I think I can be sorry for these people, but at the same time, when we look back, when World War II started, all Japanese population living in the United States was under a strict monitoring regime as well. That’s simply the cost of war,” - President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel
Pavel's comments referenced Executive Order 9066, issued by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942, which granted the military authority to establish designated military zones from which "any or all persons" could be excluded. As a result, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated from their homes and placed in internment camps, an action widely criticised as a violation of their civil rights and constitutional protections.
While later clarifying his comments that he did not mean individual surveillance, Pavel, a decorated veteran and former top-tier NATO general, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, with many political rivals claiming his views would bring war with Russia to his country’s doorstep.
His sentiments on Russia and his support for Ukraine’s membership in NATO appear to have resonated with voters after he received 58.3 per cent of the vote when elected in January - the largest ever recorded in a Czech presidential election.
After the invasion of Ukraine: hundreds of anti-Russian crimes reported in Germany
The anti-Russian sentiment is noticeable in Germany, but grasping its extent is difficult. In the first weeks after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of anti-Russian crimes were reported, according to the BKA, Germany’s federal investigative police.
But the reality is complex, and generalised statements on anti-Russian sentiments in Germany are difficult to make, says Henryk Jarczyk, Russia expert at Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR).
One reason, says Jarczyk, is that those who are affected don’t like to talk to the press. Critics of the Putin regime as well as supporters, fear conflict within the Russian-speaking community.
Which, according to Jarczyk, is incredibly diverse in Germany. An estimated six million Russian-speaking people live in Germany: Former Soviet migrants, Russian-Germans, Russian-speaking people coming from other countries, such as Ukraine, and Russians who live in Germany.
Since 2014 and Russia‘s annexation of Crimea, there has been a divide in this community. People feel they have to take a side, which leads to conflicts even within families, Jarczyk says.
According to him, it is difficult to actually describe anti-Russian sentiments in Germany, as they are anecdotic and strongly depend on the social environment. In the cultural scene, anti-Russian sentiments have played a certain role, as there have been calls to halt performances by Russian artists who don’t publicly oppose the war.
An important driver of accusations of a general anti-Russian atmosphere is the Russian embassy in Berlin. Having set up a complaints office, they fuel accusations of anti-Russian sentiments, as well as anti-Ukrainian sentiments, driven by Russian propaganda.
Finns primarily oppose Russia’s attack, not Russian people as a whole
In Finland, Russian-speaking business owners have spoken of increased levels of abuse and a downturn in trade since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Contrary to Russian claims of widespread anti-Russian sentiment, Finns primarily oppose the Russian attack rather than the Russian people as a whole, as senior foreign news journalist at the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle, Mika Mäkeläinen explains:
The Finland-Russia border has witnessed growing tension and changes in sentiment since Russia's attack on Ukraine. Finns stand firmly against the aggression, drawing on their historical experiences and solidarity with Ukraine. While ordinary Russians may face scrutiny, the focus remains on attitudes towards the war rather than irrational hatred.
Countering anti-Russian sentiment in Latvia
Amidst the aftermath of his renounced bid for a second term, departing Latvian President, Egils Levits, found himself briefly shrouded in controversy after a screenshot of a seemingly provocative anti-Russian tweet from his verified Twitter account emerged on social media.
“No matter what flag Russians use, there are no good Russians as a thing,” the tweet read.
The screenshot drew the ire of many online, with some drawing comparisons between the former European Court of Human Rights judge and the Nazi regime.
While the tweet was a fabrication, anger towards Russians and Russian speakers living in Latvia has grown since the invasion of Ukraine.
Coupled with the rise of Latvian patriotism, actions aimed at “cancelling” Russian-speaking culture in daily public life and removing Soviet symbols from view have grown. The anti-Russian sentiment in the country has risen to such a level that politicians have suggested closing the Russian news services operated by public service broadcasters.
Despite the mounting political pressure, both Latvijas Televīzija (Latvian Television, LTV) and Latvijas Radio (Latvian Radio) see more benefits from continuing than shutting down and instead have committed to improving the editorial language used when describing Russia and its people in a bid to foster inclusion and respect for those who are not related or responsible for the war in Ukraine.
Working closely with colleagues from their Russian services, both broadcasters are adapting their use of wording which may be seen as polarising or biased, in favour of a more neutral and culturally sensitive tone.
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