"From being a patriotic myth, the Russian people have become an awful reality"

In this quote, Leon Trotsky is expressing his belief that the Russian individuals, who were once seen as a sign of nationwide pride and unity, have now become a source of disappointment and worry. He recommends that the idealized picture of the Russian individuals as a strong and united country has been shattered, and instead they are now viewed as a negative and problematic force. This could be translated as a criticism of the current state of Russian society, where individuals have lost their sense of patriotism and are instead triggering damage and chaos. Trotsky's words convey a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the truth of the Russian people.