Many Estonians have believed, at least in part, in Vladimir Putin and Russian television. Now most of them are puzzled, but some remain putin, writes Rain Kooli, ‘s Estonian journalist.
This group can be considered the hardest core of Putinism in Estonia. However, in addition to the core, there have been many others in the country sympathetic to the Kremlin.
Some have pleased Putin as a person, some the idea of Russia as a world power, some Russia’s “protection of traditional values.” Some just like Russian TV channels.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced the majority of Estonians to re-evaluate their relations with Russia.
I spoke on the subject to the Russian-language news producer of the Estonian Broadcasting Corporation’s ERR Yevgeny Volohhonskayan with.
According to him, the thoughts of the Estonian Russians about Russia and the war in Ukraine are divided on the principle of 25-25-50.
A quarter are firmly on the Ukrainian side, a quarter are still putinists. But about half are upset and puzzled.
Many have experienced revival.
Commissioned by the Prime Minister’s Office of Estonia According to the survey, Estonian Russians’ confidence in the Russian media has fallen by 13 percentage points in February-March.
Currently, 27 percent of Estonian-speakers in Estonia trust the Russian media.
Estonian Russians’ confidence in the Estonian media, on the other hand, is slowly rising. Now it is about 40 percent.
– I think that in recent weeks there has been a dramatic change in the opinions of those Russian-speakers in Estonia who have so far believed that Putin is a really good leader, ERR’s news editor Anvar Samost said over the weekend (going to another service).
However, this does not mean unreserved establishment on the part of Ukraine or the West. Being confused can also mean tackling tricky topics.
According to a survey, 27 percent of Russian-speakers do not trust any media.
Russia’s war of aggression has taken part Estonians to fear for their personal livelihood.
20,000 Ukrainian war refugees have already arrived in Estonia. At least initially, refugees apply for jobs where proficiency in the Estonian language is not necessary.
Some Estonians are also competing for the same jobs.
As many as 93 percent of Estonian-speakers welcomed Ukrainian refugees.
This is ‘s daily analysis of the current theme of the Russian invasion. You will be able to discuss the subject until 11 pm on Tuesday, March 22nd.
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