On the other hand, every such metropolis produces a rich culture, thus adding to the world treasure-trove. In an empire culture always benefits by making a lot of people suffer. Maybe I m wrong, but I think that Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine people raised on Russian cultural and linguistic traditions experienced quite a shock when this transitory period began. Some of my old friends say they feel as though they found themselves in immigration, without lifting a finger to do so. In this sense one s forced immigrant status is quite dangerous, I think that one can get irrevocably conservative.
Any culture is kept alive by being nourished by fresh talent, trends, questions, and risks.
I often visit Moscow. Once the heart of a giant empire, coveted by all those ambitious Soviet cum laude university graduates, it is now strikingly open and straightforward. Its people are looking for new progressive ways and say so. I would hate to see Russian Kyiv acquire the Parisian Russian emigre status, with all those has-beens looking down on everyone and everything, with their senseless snobbishness and intolerant conservatism. I wish this game ended with both sides red and white winning, like in winemaking where red and white wines are equally appreciated.