Again…

I say that any Russian who wants to flee–no matter what their previous position on the war was–should be encouraged. We should create NATO-funded holding camps for them, in order to deal with the potential security threat and state plants, but also to address the Russians who just want to flee and want no part of this.

The camps should be clean, well-stocked with good food and water, safe lodgings, offer Russian-language education for any children, offer medical treatment, and reasonable entertainment options. Perhaps certain forms of work if people are willing and want something to do. Access to news, but not pro-Russian sludge. No phones, no internet, no weapons, no alcohol or drugs. (May need substance abuse counseling, for some.) Guarded by NATO troops, and send the Red Cross in for oversight to make sure conditions are safe and humane.

The term of confinement to the camps would have to be indefinite, but if you’re a Russian who wants out, it would at least be a safe place to go where your needs are catered to. And you won’t have to go fight in a stupid war where your ass is likely going to be vaporized by NATO tech.

This would deplete the Russian army of personnel, stop active participation in the Russian economy, and give Russians who don’t want to be involved in this a safe place to stay.

Plus, it makes it easier to repatriate them once this IS over and there’s no danger of people being forcibly conscripted or persecuted for fleeing.We should be encouraging Russians who want to leave. But, there’s not a foolproof way of knowing the intent of persons. You want out, fine, great, but you play by NATO rules and nobody gets the chance to sabotage. If you don’t play by the rules, you go to actual jail.

This provides necessary support to the border states with Russia, it prevents Russians from becoming illegal migrants when they flee, it deprives the Russian state of its cannon fodder and cash cows.