On an unofficial Friends Day, the Obozrevatel talked with Russian human rights activist Valery Borshchev - about how in Russia they relate to Ukraine's intention to introduce a visa regime with the Russian Federation, about the advisability of such a step. About how, today, in the conditions of the ongoing war, ordinary Russians treat Ukraine and Ukrainians. And also about under what conditions and in what perspective Russians and Ukrainians will be able to identify themselves again if not brothers, at least friends.

- You probably heard about the proposals that sound in Ukraine, the introduction of a visa regime with Russia. Yesterday, the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Pavel Klimkin, said: "I think that even the introduction of a visa regime in the context of control of who arrives from Russia is not enough for us. We must introduce biometric passports for this, but then also control those who come ". To what extent do you think the measures that the minister said are worthwhile are worthwhile? Which side will suffer more from them?.

- I think people will suffer, society will suffer. Because there is a conflict that the authorities organized. As for society, very many in Russia want to be in constant contact, in constant communication with the Ukrainian people. I know that many in Ukraine have relatives who they visit.

Such a visa regime, and even with a tightening of passport control, will be directed against the interests of citizens. It seems to me that this measure does not benefit the relations between peoples.

- Nevertheless, there are objective reasons for such a decision. In particular, in this way Ukraine intends to essentially stop the actions of Russian special services on the territory of the country.

- I do not think so. I do not think that this is an effective measure. First of all, it will hit the interests of society.

The part of society in Russia that treats the Ukrainian people with great love and sympathy against the war, which believes that it should be stopped as soon as possible - this part will suffer from such measures.

- You said about Russians who still treat Ukrainians well, who want to maintain relations with them. How many such Russians are in Russia today?.

- I think the vast majority. They really believe that what is happening is a great tragedy, a big drama, and very worried about what is happening.

"Who do they think is guilty of what's going on?".

- They believe that the authorities responsible for this war are to blame.

"The authorities on both sides?".

- No, they condemn the participation of Russian authorities. The fact that they support this conflict is that they do not take measures to stop it somehow. In Russia, rallies are held with such requirements. This part of society is quite significant.

- Today is an unofficial Day of Friends. We know that due to objective circumstances, Ukrainians and Russians can not be called brothers. In what perspective, under what conditions do our peoples again be able to call themselves, if not brothers, at least friends?.

- It's who he thinks. I consider Ukrainians brothers - as I thought before. My ancestors came to the Don from Zaporozhye Sich, they were Don Cossacks. How can I not count Ukrainians as brothers? And so many believe.

The war is organized by the authorities, and it is. The overwhelming majority of people in Russia consider the Ukrainian people their brothers, and what happens is really tragic events.

But if we talk about relations between states, then really they are not friendly, to say the least - hostile. There will be such tension between states for a long time to come. Much depends on what authorities will replace the existing.

- Do you think that with the new government in Russia, the relations between our states can radically change?.

- Of course. Because the potential in society is very large, society wants the relationship to be restored. Of course, today's events will mar the relationship, for a long time they will remind of themselves, but the relationship will be restored.

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