The Problem with Pro-Russian Ukrainian Refugees in Europe
A Georgian’s Guide to Generosity Without Getting Played
As a Georgian, I have nothing but admiration for how Europe has stepped up to support Ukrainian refugees. It’s like the world suddenly woke up, decided to be decent, and started handing out warm blankets, hot meals, and safe shelter. Honestly, it’s beautiful. Inspiring. Humanity at its best.
But — and it’s a big but — not every Ukrainian refugee fits the profile you’re probably imagining. You know, the brave, patriotic, Ukraine-loving freedom fighter fleeing Russian bombs. Some are… well, let’s just say, a little too comfortable rewriting the story of this war, even though they themselves have been displaced by it.
It’s a mind-bender, isn’t it? You open your home, donate your time, maybe even rally your friends to the cause, only to find out the person you’re helping thinks NATO is the villain and Crimea should’ve just stayed Russian.
Welcome to the awkward reality of pro-Russian Ukrainians.
A Georgian Perspective
As a Georgian, let me just say: Russia’s whole “we’re just here to help” routine? It’s nothing new. We’ve seen it before — in 2008, when Russian tanks rolled into our country. Same script, different year. So, trust me when I tell you, nothing about Russia’s aggression is “brotherly” or “protective.” It’s colonization, plain and simple.
And yet, here we are. Europe’s opened its arms to Ukrainian refugees (rightfully so), and among them are people who are strangely comfortable regurgitating Kremlin propaganda. For someone who’s watched Georgian men volunteer to fight and die in Ukraine, it’s surreal. While my neighbors are giving their lives for Ukraine’s freedom, I’m meeting Ukrainian refugees in Europe who seem more excited about Netflix and free housing than rebuilding their country.
How They Rewrite the Story
Here’s the kicker: the biggest problem with pro-Russian Ukrainians isn’t just their apathy — it’s their narrative. They rewrite the story of this war, turning it into some twisted tale where Russia is misunderstood, NATO is the aggressor, and Ukraine… well, maybe Ukraine isn’t worth fighting for after all.
It’s subtle at first. Maybe they casually mention how “Russia and Ukraine are like brothers” or how “NATO shouldn’t have provoked them.” But before you know it, you’re deep in a conversation where Crimea was “always Russian,” and the West is somehow to blame for the fact that they can’t go home.
Here’s the thing: they’ve been displaced by the same bombs, the same tanks, and the same army that everyone else fled. And yet, they’re sitting in a European country, rewriting the story as though the war is just a bad breakup, and Russia’s really the misunderstood ex.
How to Spot One
Not every Ukrainian refugee is rewriting the story, but when you meet one who is, it’s hard to miss. Here are a few telltale signs:
1. The “Family Drama” Argument
They’ll tell you Russia and Ukraine are like siblings, and this war is just a spat. Because sure, that’s how siblings act — by leveling entire cities.
2. Blaming NATO
This is a classic. If the words “Western imperialism” come up, you might want to ask if they’ve been borrowing their opinions from Russian state TV.
3. The Crimea Excuse
If they shrug and say something like, “Well, Crimea was always Russian,” you’ve officially entered the propaganda zone.
4. No Plans to Return
It’s one thing to stay abroad for safety (understandable). It’s another to talk about your new life as if Ukraine is already old news.
What Do You Do About It?
Now, I’m not saying you should stop helping Ukrainian refugees. Generosity is the right thing to do, no matter who the person is. But if you’re helping someone who’s busy rewriting the story of this war, you have every right to push back.
1. Call It Out (Politely)
If someone starts blaming NATO or justifying Russia’s actions, it’s okay to challenge them. Try something like, “That’s interesting — so, Russia sent missiles to protect your city? How exactly does that work?” A little wit goes a long way.
2. Understand the Context
Some of these people come from regions like Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk, where Russian propaganda has been on full blast for years. It doesn’t excuse their views, but it helps explain why they might see things differently.
3. Help, But Don’t Ignore the Problem
You can be compassionate without pretending these narratives don’t matter. Because they do. Every time someone repeats Kremlin propaganda, it chips away at the truth of what’s happening in Ukraine.
Hypocrisy, Anyone?
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Europe’s generosity is incredible, but it’s also a little naïve. There’s this assumption that every Ukrainian refugee is a hero in exile. And when they’re not? When they’re dismissing NATO or justifying Russia’s actions? We don’t know what to do with that.
Helping someone doesn’t mean you have to agree with them — or ignore the fact that they’re undermining the very cause you believe in. If you’re going to support a pro-Russian Ukrainian, fine. Just don’t pretend their narratives aren’t a problem.
Why This Matters
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about awkward dinner conversations. It’s about the truth. Russia’s propaganda machine thrives on confusion, on rewriting the story of this war until no one knows what’s real anymore. And when that story gets rewritten by the very people displaced by the war, it’s not just frustrating — it’s dangerous.
A Final Thought
War brings out the best and worst in people. Most Ukrainian refugees are brave, resilient, and deeply grateful for the support they’ve received. But for the few who rewrite the story, it’s okay to feel conflicted. You don’t have to agree with them, but you also don’t have to turn your back on them.
Generosity is about helping people in need — even when their views challenge your own. Just don’t forget why you’re helping in the first place: to stand with Ukraine, to stand with the truth, and to make sure this war’s story gets told the way it really is — not the way the Kremlin wants it to be.