I remember back in 1984 when I was in the Navy, we went to Athens Greece. What was strange was when we pulled in to drop anchor, there was a Russian ship right there in the harbor. Back then it was still the Soviet Union. Naturally, our officers all talked about watch out for Russian spies when we go ashore. We also had to always travel in pairs, never alone. And in that case, they wanted us to wear civilian clothes, so we did not stand out as much.
My buddy and I went ashore and decided to go find a bar. We sat down and ordered our drinks. That was when we realized there were 2 Russian right there at the next table in uniform. They were both looking at us, so I asked how they were doing? The waitress had to interpret for me. One of them spoke French and he translated for the other one.
Thankfully the waitress was friendly, spoke great English, and did not mind translating.
They both acted afraid to even chat. I told them we just wanted a couple drinks, and we would leave. The one guy asked, do they not let you drink on the ship?
I was about to play it off and ask him what ship, but they did not seem like spies. I said no, do they get to on their ship? They said only the officers got to drink on the ship. I asked things like what part of Russia they were from and how long they had been in? One of them asked us the same. Then they both wanted to hear about NY City and Rock and Roll bands.
I remember asking them if they were forced to join the Navy? They thought that was an odd question. They said it was a privilege to join the Military instead of being forced to go work in a factory. Only so many men got the opportunity.
They seemed to really love their country for letting them be in. Thinking about them, and how much they thought it was so special to be in. To them there was nothing wrong with the Soviet Union. It was all they even knew. There schools did not teach them about different forms of government. They did not even know what I was talking about when I asked if they voted.
It seems odd to hear about desertions. But those two were not being forced to go fight a country so close.
A lot of people do not realize, Ukraine was part of USSR. Back in the 80's, that was all the same country more or less. It was just like the difference between South and North Carolina. Some different state laws, but all the same people.
If we were to have a civil war and I was asked to go fight those coots from Georgia, I would say heck yeah! NOT!
I bet some of those Russian troops feel the same way. They grew up with folks from Ukraine and now Putin wants them to go kill them. It may still be special to be in the military, but to be asked to fight people so close, it must be tough.
I am sure Ukraine has some trouble too. I mean they have to protect their country but look who they are fighting against. I bet a lot of those soldiers at one time dreamed about a vacation in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
I would love the chance to talk with the guys I met in Athens.