Russia is My Friend

In a world where global alliances are constantly shifting and international relations grow ever more complex, it's easy to fall into the trap of viewing other nations as enemies. But what if we took a step back and reconsidered our approach? What if, instead of making enemies, we sought out friends?

Russia is my friend. This statement might raise eyebrows, especially in a time when much of the Western world views Russia with suspicion. However, it’s precisely because everyone can't be my enemy that I find value in friendship with Russia.

Many of my American friends tell me that Vladimir Putin is evil, pointing to the many allegations and actions attributed to his regime. But let’s be honest—what politician is without sin? The nature of politics itself often requires decisions that, when viewed through the lens of moral absolutism, may appear deeply flawed. This is not to excuse any wrongdoing, but rather to acknowledge the complexity of leadership on a global scale.

Russia is a country steeped in a rich history of Christianity. These Christian values form a common bond between Russia and the United States, two nations that, despite their differences, share a deep connection to their faith. This spiritual common ground is something that cannot be overlooked. In a world where religious persecution is rampant, Russia’s commitment to Christianity resonates with many who value religious freedom and the moral teachings of Christ.

In contrast, I find it much harder to extend friendship to countries like China, which rejects God and has a history of defiling churches, or Iran, which rules its people with what I see as a satanic version of Shia Islam. These nations, in their practices, stand in stark contrast to the values that both Russia and the United States hold dear.

This is not to say that Russia is a perfect country. Far from it. Like any nation, Russia has its flaws, and there is much it could do to make its society more harmonious and more closely aligned with the values of Christ. But it is precisely because of these shared values that I consider Russia a friend. We have a common foundation upon which to build a relationship that is mutually beneficial.

The ongoing war in Ukraine is, to me, a tragic and unnecessary conflict. I understand that from the perspective of U.S. and European national security, there are concerns about Putin’s intentions and the potential for Russian expansion. But has Putin expanded his war to other countries? The answer so far is no. He made it clear that Ukraine needed to maintain neutrality, and yet the U.S. and its allies have turned Ukraine into a battleground for geopolitical dominance.

I do not intend to defend Putin’s actions uncritically. The invasion of Ukraine is a brutal and devastating event. But it’s also important to recognize that the situation is far more complex than a simple good versus evil narrative. There are no winners in war—only devastation and loss. But try explaining that to those whose ethos is conquest and destruction.

The point I want to make is that Russia and America should be friends. We’ve been allies before—we defeated the Nazis together in World War II, and our cooperation was instrumental in bringing an end to one of the darkest chapters in human history. We are better off as friends than as enemies, united by shared values and a common history.

For example, Russia has indeed maintained a long-standing relationship with India, one that has been characterized by deep-rooted cooperation and mutual respect over the decades. As the world's largest democracy, India is a great friend and ally to the U.S. and a deterrent to aggression from China. India and Russia's partnership, often described as a "special and privileged strategic partnership," has spanned various domains, including defense, energy, trade, and diplomacy. While both countries continue to diversify their international partnerships, the bond between Russia and India remains a significant pillar of their foreign policies. I see no reason why America can't have the same type of relationship.

In the end, it is the people of both nations who suffer when our leaders fail to find common ground. It is the people who bear the burden of war, who pay the price for geopolitical gamesmanship. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can choose a different path—a path of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Russia is my friend because I believe in the power of shared values to overcome even the deepest of divides. In a world full of enemies, sometimes the most radical act is to extend a hand in friendship.