Victor, I do not know where you got the idea I “backpedaled” on something. My comments here were to remind Helga those here on the forum have no idea what she and I were discussing, so the forum is not the place to resolve it. There is actually no attempt to resolve anything. What I am reading is a serious of unrelated, veiled accusations of events that never took place but seem designed to promote a false understanding.

I completely stand behind any private comments regarding current world events. All these other unrelated and irrelevant statements (e.g., I said she made “evil” comments, I used stereotypes to portray Russian people badly, I think I understand all about Russia because I have a book, she rejected my alleged affections and I should find someone older, blah, blah, blah…) are silly, contrived and never occurred. None of this happened. For this banter to have continued is childish. So why am I responding to you? I'm responding to you both. Helga seeks no resolution and you are assuming far too much.

If you must know, my comments to Helga challenged a unique historical understanding, common to many citizens of the FSU; actually not a political discussion at all. I “backed down” on nothing; however, this is not a public stage; no need to win (this is a dating site). A public stage would be different, but I would never publicly debate a friend whom I respect and will not do it here. I accept “defeat” and there will be no further discuss regarding this. Helga wins.