When there is a conflict, there is dissension. Both sides always submit different, conflicting versions of the same event, and this is what we are presently seeing regarding Ukraine. The Russian side has a vastly different version of the war “military special operation” from the Ukrainian side, and it is often very difficult to know the truth.
This fratricidal war, in conjunction with field operations, is above all a media war. The press on both sides has gone into overdrive to convince the masses of the righteousness of their cause. So, who are you going to believe?
If you want some sincerity, I suggest independent vloggers. They are on their own and broadcast short videos of what they see… and believe. To me, they seem more believable than the big network reporters.
I came across such people while watching some videos on YouTube. I was particularly impressed by a young fellow named Niki Proshin. He lives in St Petersburg, speaks almost flawless English, and broadcasts regular vlogs about life in Russia.
But like all Russian citizens, he must presently be careful about what he says, because Big Brat is watching. The Russian word brat (брат) by the way, is pronounced almost exactly like the English word and amusingly means “brother”; so, the Russian Big Brat is as much” ill-mannered and annoying” as George Orwell’s character.
If Big Brat does not like what you say, you might be arrested, heavily fined, or even go to prison. This is why you see so few protesters in the Russian streets. It is cold and very inhospitable out there, and you have to admire and cheer the few courageous people who dare to confront the authorities.
But no matter how much censure there is, the truth will eventually seep through all the obstacles. And often with the help of these plucky young vloggers.
Russians are now prevented from communicating with the West, but the smart set is using VPN (Virtual Private Network) to get around the censure. VPN is “a secure private network using encryption over a public network”. You can download a phone version of this app on the Internet, and it costs about $7 to $10 a month.
You might be wondering why I am so interested in the Ukrainian conflict… Well, I have some Slavic roots, and I sympathize with the terrible plight of the Ukrainians… and the lied-to Russian citizens.
Tune in to Niki’s vlog. It is worth watching.
Alain