As most people now know, Russia and Ukraine are culturally interwoven. Many families have both Ukrainian and Russian roots and family members, and relationships of every kind extend across the border. I see how these shared cultural roots manifest in relationships, career choices, and personal identities through my patients.
I have participated in several programs on conducting therapy in times of national threat and war through the International Psychotherapy School in Moscow, run by a Russian colleague. I count many Russians and Ukrainians among my colleagues, students, and patients. This, of course, means that I encounter a wide variety of experiences from people grappling with the current war.
Most of them, both Russians and Ukrainians, are strongly against the invasion of Ukraine. Many Russians have left Russia or moved to be further from the conflictual borders, while many of my Ukrainian colleagues are simply focused on their survival.