I can't tell if there's an /s there, or if it's a genuine question? Il answer anyway, sanctions are to stop the government and top level supporters having good life and fancy cars. Aid is to stop the innocent population from starving and suffering as a result.

I see your point. Personally, I wouldn't see Ivan as suporting the war, just suporting his family to get by. I'm sure if there was a means, he would probably have gotten them all away from a government he doesn't support. But life isn't so easy. Unfortunately, I think Ivan may also be a minority but wish him luck. Vlad sounds like a bit of a knob though.

I believe it was proposed that athelets could participate so long as they did not support the war, but it was rejected by Russia? And for the Olympics, this is totally fair since its supposed to be a symbol of unity. I think those first athletes who broke the rules about political statements and ended up banned have eroded any faith in Olympic participants abiding by the rule. And, honestly who can blame them - if I was told make a statement or youll be sent to the gulag, id probably make the statement.

Stupid games, stupid prizes.

Ehh, if its legit, Russia, Turkey or France?