The masks are off: Russian patriotism grows rapidly in the face of US and EU aggression

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The feeling of patriotism is rapidly growing in the Russian society. The US and EU policy towards Russia makes many people believe that Western countries are trying "to force Russia into a box" and that this is "a time of great opportunity" for the country, the Christian Science Monitor wrote.

Patriotism among Russian citizens is growing every day and an understanding that Western states are not friends of their country make Russians more consolidated than ever before, Christian Science Monitor correspondent Fred Weir wrote in his article.

The majority of Russian citizens approve of Crimea's entry into the Russian Federation and the protection of the interests of Russian-speaking population in Donbass by the Moscow government. The aggressive rhetoric of the West against Russia with regard to Ukrainian events revealed a huge gap between Russian and Western perceptions.

Many Russians were shocked when US President Barack Obama said that he considers "Russian aggression in Europe" a major threat to global security, listing it with Ebola and ISIL terrorists in the same speech, the author wrote.

"The leader of the US put our country on a blacklist with a virus and a terrorist organization. That says it all. The masks are off. The US is not a friend; it's 'us' and 'them' now. I have finally and completely understood that," said Russian citizen and businessman, Pavel Melikov.

Against the background of the conflict in Ukraine, Russian citizens started to analyze events taking place in Russia and think more about their country's place in the world. They started to realize that they are not like people in the West, that Russia has its own interests and that they should not rely on anyone but themselves, Mr. Weir wrote, citing president of a Moscow military-patriotic club, Yury Sharapin.

"We don't wish for war, and we don't feel the West is an enemy, but many people now see that they are trying to force us into a box, surround us with military bases, make us give up Ukraine, and break up what's left of our country," Sharapin said.

At the same time, Russians have not yet learned how to express their patriotic feelings through actions. They are not too eager to take part in public events and movements, CSM reported.

However, many Russian citizens believe that they can change their lives for the better.

"We should use this situation, and all this energy," Pavel Melikov said. "I've never seen a time when people felt so consolidated and ready to be constructive. For me, patriotism means to go out and build something, improve my business, help others to start something. This could be a time of great opportunity for our country, and ourselves."