I was in Russia for the first time in 1990. Then again in 2004. The change was visible but then not yet too bad for the worse. It was actually quite good as much of the bad of “Sovietism” was gone.

Last year this time I was in Belarus and a week ago I returned from Ukraine. Only for this discussion this 2 countries can fall under Russia to compare the change from 2003 – 2004 until now. Back then I was also in Belarus and Ukraine.

From what I have seen last year and recently as well as what I see on TV (I mostly watch RT), the slobby European influence is noticeable. I doubt if any person there had a tattoo 16 years ago. Now I wonder how many under the age of 40 does not have a tattoo. Weird hairstyles was not something which existed 16 years ago. Now it is becoming more visible amongst men and women. 16 Years ago the absolute tidiness which probably was a by-product of the Soviet Union, was very much noticeable. It is becoming slightly obvious that something has changed. 16 Years ago I did not see any person wearing torn jeans. Now this “American – European” craziness is not strange to see there.

Overall, I still have good hope for Belarus and Russia. But not much for Ukraine, the new American colony.