yeah, those were some properly fed times back home. people were shot on the borders, electrocuted on wires, blown up by landmines and killed by border dogs. my father used to do hang gliders back then, and told me about the failed attempt to escape that had guy falling down, but down in half by opened garage doors (i think after some shooting aimed at him). Another ones trying to cross border river in winter by swimming, putting thick layer of fat on their bodies, and only 1 out of 2 making it on the other side.

this is how Russian mentality sees 'helping out' to their friends. anytime I hear anything seemingly nice from Putin (or anybody from east), these memories put things in perspective.