We feel shame and contempt for all those who justify and support the military invasion of the Russian army in Ukraine, making themselves morally complicit in the work of destruction and death that is perpetrated daily.
We are sad and concerned for the Ukrainian people who are suffering the consequences of this war.
We are in solidarity with the nation that represents them and who are fighting for their independence and freedom.
But it is right to reiterate that these considerations and feelings are shared and felt equally by Russians, too.
They have been and are currently harshly repressed for expressing themselves publicly and are denied the freedom of speech as individuals. The sanctions provided for those who transgress, for those who do not respect this imposition decreed by the current government, are very hard.
Russians live today under the yoke of a brutal dictatorship.
Those that are against the war, must free themselves from the system that currently represents their country.
In spite of this, in our professional sphere, Russian-phobic behaviours are beginning to be explicitly revealed and expressed in the form of indiscriminate stances towards brands or activities just because they are of Russian origin. Certainly, It is fair to say that in these cases a layer of ignorance and superficiality are reflected.
It is disturbing to note that in many international companies’ announcements the choice to rightfully boycott the Russian regime by completely closing the doors of business activities in that country, shows no consideration for the Russian population and for those who carry out activities in Russia.
By not distinguishing Putin, his circle of oligarchs backing the war, the soldiers occupying Ukraine, from those Russians that don’t approve the invasion of Ukrainian territory, consists in a demonization of an entire nation.
It ultimately results in a potential increase in Russophobia around the world and also further fuels Putin's plan that through censorship and lack of freedom of expression a false and simplistic picture of Russians is drawn by pretending that there is no opposition. In fact, these actions make accomplices of censorship and the interests of Putin and the oligarchs in power.
It leaves a bitter taste to know that media outlets, such as Condenast Russia and Vogue Russia that posted their thoughts are somehow forced to stop their activities simply because they are in Russia. Both accounts made posts promoting peace and even shared Balenciaga's recent fashion show dedicated to "the fearlessness, resistance and victory of love and peace." See: Vogue Russia Instagram post
The fashion industry in Russia is obliged not to publicly express dissent or criticism of the war that Putin is waging in Ukraine. But the Putin regime cannot sanction or prevent the Russian fashion industry from communicating openly with correspondents from all other countries who are explicitly against the war and sympathetic to the Ukrainian cause.
It is up to all of us in consequence to open a ''humanitarian channel of communication’'.
Even highlighting in the media that there is a complicit and continuous communication relationship within the professional sphere, besides creating a real annoyance to the Putin regime, creates an obstacle for a continued rise of Russian-phobic behaviour.
We report a testimony of a young Russian during an anti-war manifestation : "If I came with a Russian flag today, it is to show that this flag does not belong to the Kremlin. It is that of the Russians who are opposed to the war. We are with you against this war led by oligarchs who dishonour Russia.”
You can participate in solidarity activities and by making contributions helping official bodies to collect financial aid for Ukraine via the links below:
> UNHCR Urgency Ukraine
> UNICEF
> Save the Children
Ezio Barbaro
Founder & Publisher of Modem and Modemonline
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