[Goose]

Are the Russians in that area, those whom Putin classifies as real Russians or those second class Russians whom he is happy to send to the meat grinder in the Ukraine? Might be a good number disgruntled types wiling to help.

Mostly second-class "Russians", although there are quite a few "real" ethnic Russians along the railroads. The Czars were aware that the long railroads across Russia were vulnerable and therefore "encouraged" settlement along the railways. Back in the early years, and probably still today, many of the towns are garrisoned. In addition, quite a few better educated personnel were (and still are) necessary to run the railroads. So it isn't a homogeneously indigenous population. That said, many ethnic Russian people along the rail line aren't "European Russians" and don't necessarily like the way they are treated by Moscow. Fertile ground for dissidents of all kinds.

[Goose]

Are the Russians in that area, those whom Putin classifies as real Russians or those second class Russians whom he is happy to send to the meat grinder in the Ukraine? Might be a good number disgruntled types wiling to help.

Mostly second-class "Russians", although there are quite a few "real" ethnic Russians along the railroads. The Czars were aware that the long railroads across Russia were vulnerable and therefore "encouraged" settlement along the railways. Back in the early years, and probably still today, many of the towns are garrisoned. In addition, quite a few better educated personnel were (and still are) necessary to run the railroads. So it isn't a homogeneously indigenous population. That said, many ethnic Russian people along the rail line aren't "European Russians" and don't necessarily like the way they are treated by Moscow. Fertile ground for dissidents of all kinds.