Two answers:

1. Not really, but I have been telling them and they are happy to hear it
2. Their starting position is one of respect anyway. For example, I met a guy in a park who was obviously a Russian patriot, dressed in the blue and white telnyashka and a Soviet-era hat, and had a few drinks in him so he was speaking freely. He heard my family speaking English and started a friendly conversation. The first thing he wanted me to know, before he found out that I was completely in support of Russia and disagreed with US foreign policy, was that he regarded me as a person and respected me, regardless of what my country’s politicians do. This kind of sentiment is typical. But one lady broke out in tears when she saw me wearing a St. George ribbon and showing reverence when we passed a church, from relief. So I think there is fear that people are against them. Being an American here, I have had some chances to go on TV and encourage people that way. A strange little mission for a digital warrior but there you go.