Russia is a wonderful country, and even if our government isn't the best, the people who live in Russia are the strongest, smartest, and possess the most resilient character on the entire planet. A Russian person will survive anywhere, finding their own place and themselves everywhere.

And what can be said about the Russian language? To me, it's like a song. You can say things in Russian in a way you simply can't in English. To understand and learn Russian, you have to try really hard—it's not for nothing that it's the most difficult language to learn after Chinese. Americans and any other foreigners love to repeat various swear words and phrases in Russian, but they will never grasp the full depth of this powerful language.

In a word, I am glad that I am Russian, and I am glad that I live in Russia. Yes, I look toward the West, but only because our people deserve the same standard of living and the same treatment from the government as in more developed countries. Otherwise, I am incredibly happy that Russian blood flows through my veins and no other!