Russian Investigation and Russian-American Students
A president under fire; a nation accused of hostility; a democracy under attack. That is the story of Russia’s relationship within the Trump campaign, and the resulting investigation, in the past year - yet despite the media’s focus on the Russian investigation, none have spoken of the impact such an investigation has had on the Russian-American community, a community with a unique perspective and views on the subject.
Sascha N. Benditsky, a Russian-American student at Las Lomas., is a figure with unique and complex views on Russian-American relations. Although opposed to Putin’s authoritarian and autocratic nature alientates Benditsky, who believes that autocratic governance “is not in the best long term interest of Russia”; however, Benditsky also praised his partial “[elevation of] Russia’s position in the world” and favors diplomacy over hostility when dealing with Putin, who Benditsky believes to be a “popular figure in Russia [who] should therefore be dealt with and not shunned”; indeed, a large majority of Russians favor Putin’s policies in all areas. Benditsky also believes that Trump there is no “collusion” between Donald Trump and the Russian government.
The allegations of collusion between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin and the resulting investigation has had nary an impact on Russian-American students according to my sources right now. Sascha Benditsky has not suffered prejudice and discrimination against her as a result of Putin’s coverage in the American news cycle.
