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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Russia Price of War (TV)
HEADLINE: Mixed Feelings on the Russian Side of the Ukraine Border Over Potential War
TEASER: Along Russia’s border with eastern Ukraine, interviews indicate some residents are eager to fight while others say there is less patriotic fervor this time than in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea.
PUBLISHED AT: Wednesday, 02/23/2022
BYLINE: Ricardo Marquina
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Rostov-on-Don
VIDEOGRAPHER: Ricardo Marquina
VIDEO EDITOR: Ricardo Marquina
SCRIPT EDITORS: LR, BR
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA Original
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT:
VID APPROVED BY:
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: English narration by Jon Spier))
((INTRO)) [[The recognition by Russian President Vladimir Putin of two self-proclaimed republics within Ukrainian territory has created an uncertain scenario for Russians, as war and economic sanctions point to a troubled future. Along Russia’s border with eastern Ukraine, interviews with some members of the local population suggest some are eager to fight while others say there is less patriotic fervor this time than in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. Jon Spier narrates this report from the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.]]
((VIDEO: Rostov-on-Don, River Don, boats, people, streets, traffic (ORIGINAL VOA))
((NARRATOR))
On the banks of the Don River is the city of Rostov - one of the largest cities in southern Russia, and just 90 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.
Thousands of people are coming this far from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, displaced by the growing conflict. As they arrive, concerns mount over what a war and its consequences will have on the lives of Russia’s population.
((RADIO VERSION: Dimitri Volk lives in Rostov-on-Don.))
((Dimitri Volk, Resident of Rostov-on-Don (MALE SPEAKING RUSSIAN ORIGINAL VOA))
“I'm worried about how this is going to affect normal people, the economy. Will the dollar rise again, will wages fall, will there be military operations? We don’t know what is happening, the vast majority of people do not know the truth of what is happening.”
((VIDEO: Rostov-on-Don, people, streets, traffic ORIGINAL VOA))
((NARRATOR))
For some people, the price to pay for Russia's military involvement in the conflict in neighboring Ukraine is too high. They say this time is not like in 2014, when the annexation of Crimea had broad popular support.
((RADIO VERSION: One resident, Vadim, asked not to give his surname.))
((Vadim, Resident of Rostov-on-Don (MAN IN RUSSIAN ORIGINAL VOA))
“I do not support this decision. OK, they have a conflict, but it is an internal matter, why should we get involved in it, why recognize their independence? It's another country! Let them fix their problems. And now, because of this decision (by the President), I don't know what will happen next week.”
((VIDEO: Rostov-on-Don, people, streets, traffic ORIGINAL VOA))
((NARRATOR))
Others say they are willing to pay whatever price is necessary.
((RADIO VERSION: Rostov resident Alexandra Kashchienko says she is ready to make the sacrifice and fight for Russia’s interests.))
((Alexandra Kashchienko, Resident of Rostov-on-Don (WOMAN IN RUSSIAN - ORIGINAL VOA))
“My family and I fully support Vladimir Putin's decision to recognize these republics. We have suffered a lot, since 2014, a lot of pain in our hearts. It is not something minor for us, we are willing to bear the sanctions.”
((VIDEO: Rostov-on-Don, people, streets, traffic ORIGINAL VOA))
((NARRATOR))
Many in this part of Russia have family and social ties with Luhansk and Donetsk, and despite political differences on Russia’s recognition of the independence of these territories, all said they agree in wanting the violence to stop.
((RADIO VERSION: Nadeshda, who also asked to withhold her surname, said she sees no one coming out a winner in this conflict.))
((Nadeshda, Resident of Rostov-on-Don - WOMAN IN RUSSIAN - ORIGINAL VOA))
“I have acquaintances, friends, and co-workers there, my parents are there now. Obviously, I'm worried because the situation there is bad, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.”
((VIDEO: Rostov-on-Don, people, streets, traffic - ORIGINAL VOA))
((NARRATOR))
The new sanctions against Russia have been imposed, while on the street, uncertainty, worry about the future, and fear of a larger war weigh down the mood of the Russians.
((FOR VOA REPORTERS IN ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA, JON SPIER, VOA NEWS))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 23, 2022 13:17 EST
BylineRicardo Marquina
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
