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A communications student at Thompson Rivers University is sharing what her family in Russia is seeing on the ground as Putin’s invasion of Ukraine continues.

Daria Pavlova grew up in the capital city of Moscow, where her mom still lives, and came to Canada to study in 2014.

“After living in Russia and out west, I have a perspective from both sides,” she said. 

Pavlova said ways of communication with her mother have been reduced, protests in Moscow are being met with violence, and news reports coming out of Russia are confusing. She said many Russians and Ukrainians living in Europe and Canada maintain peaceful bonds and want the tyranny to end.

“The majority of Russians do not want an invasion,” she said. “Regular Russian folks have families and friends in Ukraine because the history between the two countries is tightly knit. Putin has brought both countries to (their) knees.”

READ MORE: Russia-Ukraine war: Some key developments in the conflict

Pavlova communicated with her mother recently through an app called Telegram that is popular in Russia, but the connection was bad.

“We can still use WhatsApp, but Twitter is banned and Facebook is blocked,” she said. “People in Moscow are limited to what the regime wants them to read. Russian propaganda tells them the invasion is not a war, which it is. Generally people there understand the media is being told what to write.”

Pavlova said some businesses are shutting down in Moscow as a result of global financial sanctions. Citizens can still use bank cards within the country but cannot transfer funds abroad, resulting in some Russian students having to return home.

While some Russian citizens are protesting against Putin’s destructive actions, the risks are high. Pavlova said protestors are getting beat up by government officials and put in jail. Her closest friend in Moscow is choosing to stay indoors to avoid the chaos.

“The government is trying to kill the spirit of young Russians,” she said. “The older ones are used to being mistreated under the regime and are quiet, wanting to protect their homes and families. The younger people are more involved in politics, trying to make a change but it’s not easy."

READ MORE: Crisis deepens, Ukraine accuses Moscow of 'medieval' tactics

She said in democratic Canada, people are more free to express their opinions.

“Young Russians have been trying to get more people to vote, but they argue amongst themselves as to the value of voting when the system in place is corrupt.”

Being a Russian on Canadian soil when so many in the west are against the invasion, Pavlova was worried about how she’d be treated by others.

“I understand the anger,” she said. “I’m not the one being separated from my family, having my homeland being broken apart and fleeing for safety. I was surprised how many people reached out to ask me if I am all right. I appreciate that so much.”

Pavlova is worried about the well-being of her connections back home. She encourages others to reach out to support those affected by the invasion and if possible make financial donations to organizations supporting Ukraine.

READ MORE: Russia cracks down on dissenting media, blocks Facebook

Most of all, she hopes others will continue to spread awareness of the horrific circumstance and keep showing their support for peace.

“My biggest fear is this war will go on for too long, and everyone will get used to it and stop caring,” she said. “My heart and hope is with Ukraine to defend their country. At this time the best thing we can all do is hold on.”

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