Mikhaylov calls for de-escalation of anti-Russian xenopohobia

Written by: Julianna Murray

Toronto’s Russian General Consul has called to de-escalate western stigmas to pave a brighter future for Russian-Canadian relations.

Kirill Mikhaylov spoke at Ryerson University on Nov. 27, as part of the university’s International Issues Discussion series. The group hosts discussions on global current affairs with guest experts. Mikhaylov addressed current western attitudes towards Russia that he said prevents building relationships between Canada and Russia.

“One of the unfortunate tendencies of our time is that we seem to be caught in the shadow of darkness and fears from a different era,” said Mikhaylov.

He added that the main challenge for Russian-Canadian relations is finding ways to overcome fears about working with his country. Mikhaylov described the history of the western perception of Russia as a country that is “unpredictable and hidden behind an impenetrable veil, and therefore potentially dangerous.”

The continuation of these fears in modern times prevents economic relations from developing, as Mikhaylov addressed the issue of Canadian businesses waiting for a better political climate before establishing a relationship with Russia.

According to Mikhaylov, almost every European country that had suspended economic dialogue with Russia at the beginning of the anti-Russian sanctioning campaign, led by the United States, has resumed their economic participation within the last two years.

Mikhaylov claimed that Russia has transitioned from a state-run economy to a market-run economy, and that their political system, legislature, and judiciary are imperfect, but are still evolving.

Resolving these fears in Canada could be economically beneficial for both countries. Mikhaylov shared the World Bank’s 2019 report that Russia has the sixth largest economy in the world, while Canada has the 16th largest economy. He also described Russia as a country that is becoming an agricultural and agrobusiness powerhouse.

“Whoever still thinks that Russia is just a gas station, masquerading as a country, is due for a reality check,” Mikhaylov said with a laugh.

On the topic of global affairs, Mikhaylov said that the main goal is to ensure his country’s duration of internal and external calm. He discussed the need for global co-operation when it comes to issues such as climate change, depletion of resources, international economic turbulence, crime and terrorism, poverty, violence, and explosive migration.

Mikhaylov said that Russia has become more active recently in these global issues, which has resulted in western fears resuming that have laid dormant since the end of the Cold War. He added that the spread of disinformation through media has not helped Russia’s image in the west, and has enhanced distrust for the country. He concluded this topic by stating that global issues cannot be resolved in isolation.

Mikhaylov also addressed the differences between Russia’s government and the west. He said that they have not shared the belief that liberal capitalism and western-style democracy are the only options for successful nation-building.

“We started looking for our own recipes and charting our own ways. Which, in essence, is one of those universal values called ‘self-determination.’”

Mikhaylov discouraged any sense that Russia should “write-off” any of the country’s past, whether it be of the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union.

“It will forever be with us as a source of patriotism and inspiration as well as grief and reflection.”

Returning to the topic of the future of Russia’s relationship with Canada, Mikhaylov added that both countries must embrace dialogue on political and diplomatic problems, as well as encouraging direct contact between citizens, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and learning institutions.

Mikhaylov concluded his lecture by directly addressing the audience:

“Maybe some of you will take initiative in shaping the future for the betterment of both of our countries.”