Russophobia

Russophobia is the fear of Russia, and recently the hatred of Russian people.

Causes
Russophobia may be influenced by experiences and information:

Some people may have been attacked by Russians, or are from a country that was targeted by Russian nationalists or soldiers. Racism is also a problem in Russian society, especially against Caucasians (people from the Caucasus mountains, like Chechens, Georgians, and Armenians), Central Asians, Africans, Baltics, and ethnic Koreans and Ukrainians.

Others associate Russia with its worst aspects, from the Soviet Union to massacres, Stalinism, prison camps, censorship, hypernationalism and extremism.

The actions of the current Russian government, led by Vladimir Putin, and its most extreme supporters, has led to more people being scared of Russia or Russian people.

Treatment
When dealing with Russophobia, consult a doctor or psychologist if it leads to panic attacks or total fear.

Usage notes
Russian nationalists and supporters of Vladimir Putin accuse anyone who criticises or opposes them or Putin as "Russophobia", as if doing so is an attack against all Russian people. They are wrong.