Vladimir's page

Now I see it — indeed, the members of totalitarian societies do not often realize how bizarre the world around is. I emigrated from Russia in 2014, being 22 years old fresh graduate, basically same day the crisis in Ukraine has started, and did not follow the state politics.

Since then, I spent less than 2 months cumulative in Russia — occasional 1-2 weeks long visits to parents over Holiday periods. Essentially, I have been voluntarily self-isolating myself from Russian info-sphere, being indifferent to most events and affairs. I never thought about modern Russia being (or transforming into) a legit authoritarian state. Now I see why, and now I understand very well Fromm’s “Escape from Freedom”.

The catastrophe of the last week was a shock. I watched the meeting of the State Security Council on 21st of February, the moment that opened my eyes. Comic book villains and their minions are real. I witnessed my mother state to roll back into 1937 in less than an hour. But even then, I could not foresee further events.

This is an unholy war, it is ugly on every ground, and all possible (if any are) excuses, all justifications, historical legacy are off the table now, and forever. As a citizen of Russia, and, more importantly, as ethnically and culturally Russian, I must state: this is a crime. For the first time in my life, I see no second opinion valid.

I cannot address to people in Ukraine and to my relatives in Ukraine. I am speechless and have no words, even if I would have — what are they good for now? However, I can speak to fellow Russians. This shame will stay with my generation. We let personified madness to rule our society, and it made us helpless.