English subtitles for clip: File:Mixed Feelings on the Russian Side of the Ukraine Border Over Potential War.webmhd.webm

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On the banks of the Don River
is the city of Rostov,

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one of the largest cities
in southern Russia,

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and just 90 kilometers
from the border with Ukraine.

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Thousands of people are coming this far
from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions,

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displaced, by the growing conflict.

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As they arrive, concerns
mount over what a war,

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and its consequences will have
on the lives of Russia's population.

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(Speaking Russian)

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(Translator) I'm worried about how
this is going to affect normal people,

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the economy, will the dollar rise again?

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Will wages fall?

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Will there be military operations?

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We don't know what's happening.

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The vast majority of people

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do not know the truth
of what is happening.

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(Speaking Russian)

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For some people, the price to pay

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for Russia's military
involvement in the conflict

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in neighbouring Ukraine is too high.

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They say this time is not like in 2014,

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when the annexation of Crimea
had broad, popular support.

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(Speaking Russian)

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(Translator) I do not
support this decision.

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Okay, they have a conflict,
but it's an internal matter.

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Why should we get involved in it?

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Why recognise their independence?

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It's another country!

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Let them fix their problems.

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And now, because of this decision,

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I don't know what will happen next week.

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(Speaking Russian)

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Others say they are willing to pay
whatever price is necessary.

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(Speaking Russian)

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My family and I fully support
Vladimir Putin's decision

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to recognize these republics.

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We have suffered a lot since 2014,

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a lot of pain in our hearts.

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It is not something minor for us,

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we're willing to bear the sanctions.

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Many in this part of Russia have family
and social ties with Luhansk and Donetsk,

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and despite political differences
on Russia's recognition

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of the independence of these territories,

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all said they agree in wanting
the violence to stop.

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(Speaking Russian)

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(Translator) I have acquaintances,
friends, and coworkers there.

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My parents are there now.

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Obviously I'm worried because
the situation there is bad.

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I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

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(Speaking Russian)

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The new sanctions against Russia
have been imposed.

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While on the street, uncertainty,
worry about the future,

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and fear of a larger war weigh down
the mood of the Russians.

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For VOA reporters
in Rostov-on-Don, Russia,

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John Spier, VOA News.

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[VOA]
[A Free Press Matters]