>Under duress you'd be surprised what you'd publicly support.

>It's not as if every Russian has the luxury to say what they want and not fear extreme retaliation.

I suspect that vast majority of people saying things like this haven’t even visited Russia.

I own a home in Moscow, am married to a Russian. Our family has been hit hard by sanctions. I have skin in the game.

Knowing what I know about the actual experience of living in Russia, I don’t believe any of these people are under duress to support this.

Fair point. Rectors enjoy a great deal of privilege, but heavy is the head that wears the crown.

I don't have the Russian credentials you do so I'm only able to guess at reasons something so unreasonable can be supported.

A huge amount of Russians genuinely support these things, rectors tend to be older so they definitely represent the most supportive demographic.

Or, they actually support the invasion, which is valid as well. I may not agree, but I think everyone can express support for any position. The only position that is invalid is censorship/suppression/thought control, because it cuts off communication.