WHEN conflict between two countries breaks out, bombs start dropping, soldiers and civilians die or suffer life-changing injuries, families flee to safer ground … and relatives living abroad are cast under a shadow of uncertainly, worry and despair.
Bahrain has both Ukraine and Russian expatriates living and working here, some are married to Bahrainis, whilst others have the kingdom as their base as they carve out their careers.
Ever since the start of hostilities, many around the world have stood in solidarity with Ukraine through charity, boycotts or protests while others have turned their outrage towards the Russian diaspora.
Russians around the world are reporting an increase in hate messages and threats online, akin to the anti-Russian sentiment seen during the Cold War.
Bahrain-based Russian DJ Ekaterina Sokolova, better known by her stage name of Katrin Love, took to Instagram to talk about her experience.
“I have been receiving so many hate messages for being a Russian DJ and producer on this side of the region and some of my fellow musicians also requested me to get involved and post something about the situation happening back home between my brothers and sisters.
“War and politics is not something I understand or have knowledge about so I don’t see myself having rights to speak about without understanding the conflicts in- depth. No war has a good outcome. Politics is a very ugly game, no-one deserves to experience or live in such a situation.
“So my request to my fellow artists and influencers is that it is important for us with followings to represent and promote the idea that collaboration between nations is still possible, not in context of war, but rather in the context of the art that we represent.”
While Ms Sokolova’s experiences maybe common within the Russian diaspora, Karina Abiveda, a full-time British University of Bahrain student, found her experience differed dramatically.
“I’ve definitely heard of people abroad who had bad experiences but people in Bahrain have been really supportive.” she explained.
“When I tell people I’m Russian, they bombard me with questions about the conflict and how I’m coping with it. It’s really sweet and I take no offense because I can tell it comes from a place of sincerity and curiosity. They want the opinion of someone who’s actually Russian. I’ve never felt uncomfortable about my Russian identity in this country - even now,” she added.
The 19-year-old is aware of the plight that the Russian diaspora faces. “It’s disgusting - I’m not responsible for what my government does. Politics aside, the fact that innocent people are getting attacked makes me sick.”
This rise in anti-Russian sentiment is seen at a global and systematic level. US Congress member Eric Swalwell recently proposed to ‘kick every Russian student out of the United States’ while British lawmaker Roger Gale also recently argued that all Russians living in the country should be ‘sent home’.
The Ukrainian community in Bahrain have had an equally traumatic month, as they watched their country go through a humanitarian crisis from afar.
Olena Osika, a Bahraini national originally from Ukraine, believes that speaking up is just basic human dignity.
“There is no grey area or neutrality when it comes to this monstrosity of an event,” she said. “It’s black and white.
If you’re silent you’re complicit to all the crimes against humanity that is happening. I’m not asking anyone to denounce their Russian citizenship, I just want people to use their voice to help.
“Innocent civilians are dying by the minute. My parents left behind their whole lives. They left behind the house that they owned for 70 years and businesses they’ve owned for decades. Thankfully, they are safe but who wants to leave behind everything they’ve worked for?”
The mother further expanded on the harrowing experiences her friends and family have faced: “My friend who lives in a small village near Kiev had her husband kidnapped and her house looted for valuables. It was burnt down shortly afterwards. Homes, businesses, churches - all were destroyed mercilessly.”
The 44-year-old, who owns a music school, has been welcomed with open arms in Bahrain.
“People who I haven’t spoken to in years have been messaging me words of support,” she added. “I even work with two Russian women who apologised on behalf of their country and expressed their disgust at the situation.”
When asked about Russians facing discrimination she said: “Nobody should receive hate for something they cannot control. I feel sorry for them but as we speak, my beautiful home country is being savagely ravaged, and my people are dying.
“Forget politics and forget world leaders. On a humane note what is happening is inexcusable, there is no valid reason to bomb a city back to the Bronze Age. Use your voice for a good cause, you don’t want to look back in 50 years and realise you’re on the wrong side in history.”
When asked about what Bahrainis can do to help the Ukrainian cause she added: “There is a small but very active community of Ukrainians in Bahrain. If you know one of them, it takes a minute of your day to give them a call and ask how they’re doing.”
One they, everyone can do is pray for an end to the conflict, although in recent days that appears unlikely, both Ukrainian and Russian expatriates fear.
Gulf states, including Bahrain are actively trying to help, as reported in the GDN. His Majesty King Hamad and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently discussed the importance of diplomatic solutions to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
They discussed in a phone call the developments in Ukraine and noted the significance of dialogue to avoid further escalation.
King Hamad reaffirmed the importance of providing humanitarian aid to civilians in Ukraine, noting that countries must fulfil their duties toward financing the humanitarian operations announced by the UN based on the principles of humanitarian solidarity.
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