Countries neighboring Vladimir Putin are rightfully nervous about current geopolitical affairs. However, countries not sharing a border with Vladimir Putin should be nervous as well, writes Andres Simonson in an online magazine Estonian World. 

I live in the United States and my neighbours are ethnic Russians. Nice folks, and the type of neighbours you’d choose if it weren’t for the old adage that says you can’t. The patriarch, first name Vladimir, is a master pianist and we are often provided with dazzling concertos at no additional cost other than opening our kitchen windows. The matriarch is quick with amiable greetings and general pleasantries. The son, first generation American like me (I was born to political refugees from Estonia), pushes his snow thrower across our sidewalk and driveway in the winter, unsolicited. Appreciatively, afterward I’ll typically push him a stout or porter to help shake the winter chill.

So, we have a lot in common with our Russian neighbours – a fondness for classical music, deference for good manners and an appreciation for craft beer.
But I can’t help but wonder, what if he wasn’t Vladimir the good neighbour, but actually Vladimir Putin? Considering the international shenanigans playing out in Ukraine, I’d be afraid. Very afraid.

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