Thread by @V_Erastova

Over the last few days, I have seen posts advocating @RoySocChem, @AmerChemSociety to #boycott Russian scientists at conferences/from publications. Some Universities in Europe have already done so. I am very, very strongly against the boycott!
Here is a🧵with my reasons 1/11

For disclosure - I am Russian, born in the USSR, with my family currently in Russia and in Ukraine
I have been living in the UK alone since 16yo, when I went to @DurhamChemistry for my UG
*I will use male pronouns for leaders due to the gender bias in power 2/11

I'm sad to receive full face criticism for the actions of the 'president' neither I nor my family/friends ever voted. I know he still totals 146% & an absolute 'support'. I was lucky to have been in a position to 'vote with my legs out of Russia', but most people could not! 3/11

Western World sees Russian people as supporters of #Putler & of his actions. This assumption would be fair in a country with an active #democracy, where people have genuine elections, see a bad president going at the end of his term. This doesn't happen in #Russia & #Belarus 4/11

#Putin has been in power for 22+ years. #Lukashenko since 1994. They are #dictators! Any opposition is suppressed, leaders are shot, poisoned, imprisoned. Protests are officially banned, protestors are arrested (since 24th Feb in Russia 7000+ ppl), face big fines and lose jobs 5/

#Academics in Russia are already suppressed as it is; Putin doesn't care about #science, it is the last place to be #funded, and now it will not be at all. There is complete control over the Russian Academy of Science science.org/content/articl… 6/11

Still, there have been 6150+ #scientists already to sign this letter trv-science.ru/en/2022/02/we-… By signing, they have disclosed themselves, now at risk of prosecution, losing their jobs and science they have dedicated their lives to. I do not believe it is OK to #penalise these ppl!

Furthermore, it is not constructive - they are the support against the bastard in power. To destroy the aggressor, we need to weaken his support. It is in our interest to help these brave people under the #dictatorship speak against the #oppression they are facing 8/11

#Boycott like this will penalise individuals, but not #Putler himself. Please be mindful of this when calling for bans! Banning is easy, it ticks the box 'we care', it requires no financing. Instead, why not push for welcoming scientists affected by #war, opening new positions 9/

This will be harder, needing #investment, but there will be big return!
For me, it is the only way to avoid falling into #medieval times, closing again the #ironcurtain. This has been done before. We should learn, not repeat history
I am with @RoyalSocEd rse.org.uk/rse-statement-…

We are lucky to have a #voice, and we should be using it to advocate and support #OpenScience
Please push your Universities to open new positions
@Sci_for_Ukraine
11/11

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