'No one is safe' - the Russians speaking up against Putin's regime - BBC World Service

Is peace between Russia and Ukraine possible? -Not at the moment. -No. How could it be achieved? What? How can we have peace? Ukraine should cease to exist. That's what you think? Of course. Ukraine was never a real country. Shush. The way they're behaving, it's impossible. Of course it's possible. What has to change? ...leave them alone. Who needs to leave who alone? Our guys should leave them alone. She's a good one. I just couldn't hear it. She's good. Is peace between Russia and Ukraine poss

ible? After we kill all the fascists, we'll have peace. This is a special broadcast. In response to a request by our allies in the Donbas Republic, President Putin has ordered a military operation in Ukraine to protect Donbas from the Ukrainian Nazi regime. I'd like to stress Russia isn't attacking civilian infrastructure. We're defending the interests of our country. Our great Russia. We stand with our president, our Commander-in-Chief. For the faith and the family. For my holy, living soul. Th

e devil is not my guide. Vladimir Putin, Ekaterinburg is with you. I felt like something had broken in the world. War wasn't a tangible thing before this. A thing that could actually happen. No to war! We are bombing cities and peaceful civilians! These are war crimes! Russia will be free! Putin is turning into Hitler! Shame! I'm not going to shout 'No to war'. I'll end up in jail for three days. Fucking cockroach! Nothing would change, and I'd be on my own. Protests were brutally broken up from

the start. It was impossible to organise. Move back, this is a police operation. We'll draw our Z like theirs, with a broom stroke. We got together and we realised we cannot and we will not remain silent. We're going to do what we're good at. We will speak out. We will write. We will draw. 'Cargo 200' is a term for transporting corpses. When you ship a corpse, that's how you label the cargo. We used the Z symbol on our stickers in the phrase 'Cargo 200'. The Russian letter '3' was replaced with

the Latin 'Z'. We used this symbol from the frontlines. So we could show how we see this thing. We pasted these stickers around the city. For about two weeks, we stuck up around two hundred of them. Five of us were doing it on our way to work. Or we gave them to friends. One sticker on this lamp pole, another on that wall. Discrediting the army was made a crime. We knew it was dangerous. So, we were careful how we did it. We were all drinking together. In the middle of the night everyone went h

ome. But Lyonya wanted to keep partying. He was happily drunk. He took stickers and spray paint and came to find me. I was walking down the street to find Dima. At that moment we were talking on the phone. Then I heard on the phone, "Hello, Sergeant." And the call ends. They searched me. And they found the spray paint and the stickers. They took me to the police station. Some guys in civilian clothes arrived. "We need a room without a camera." I think, 'This isn't going to end well.' I say, "I w

ant my lawyer." I get a good smack in the face for that. His task was to convey a very simple idea. There would be no lawyer, no calls. I was powerless. Today our homeland... ...is going through difficult times. Therefore we pray especially today for our armed forces. For our fighters who give us hope. Patriarch Kirill wasn't the only one who blessed the war. Other church leaders also blessed it. This is a disgrace for them all. I thought, there's nothing on the agenda about this. I started film

ing just in case. At first I pointed my phone at a piece of paper because I didn't know what he was going to say. I was genuinely outraged by the statement of Councillor Nina Belyaeva on social media. Stop filming. No, I won't stop filming. If it's going to be like this then I'm filming everything. Yes, I did say that killing other people, umm on the territory of another state this has nothing to do with national self-defence. This is nothing to do with the Christian faith. You've been asked to

talk about these posts. Yes. What did you say? I commented. I didn't understand anything at all. It felt like I was being torn to pieces. Why doesn't she shut her mouth? You haven't answered... What's your position? I got hold of myself when I remembered that people right now in Mariupol, Kharkiv and Kyiv. They've lost their loved ones. I am against the decision taken by the President of the Russian Federation and against the actions that are being carried out today on the territory of the sover

eign state of Ukraine. I consider what's going on to be a war crime. I couldn't be such a coward. At the least, I had to support them with a few words. No one attacked our country. So life, not... life, no, it's about this, it's about this. And no one would attack tomorrow. This is just what the propagandists poured into your head. Because there is no real evidence that Ukraine was preparing to attack our country. There is no such proof. Only unfounded statements. People have been writing to me.

Even from farms and villages with words of support. I was feeling so lonely but I've received many messages of support. Hello. Where did freedom of speech in Russia go? I'm not going to answer that question because I can't answer it. Thank you. Where has freedom of speech in Russia gone? Did it ever exist? In the beginning we had an idea. We wanted to talk to people, not just on the streets, but politicians too. But how can you talk to opposition politicians now? Whatever they say can be called

illegal. For those of us still in Russia, how can we talk to each other? We're giving it a little go. Where has freedom of speech gone in Russia? I'm too young to answer this question. I'm ready to answer. Where did freedom of speech go? Can we talk about sensitive political questions? Please be careful, don't break the law. We worry about the people who give us interviews. Freedom of speech, to put it carefully, a lot of people are just afraid. But that's quite logical. Freedom has moved to pl

aces where it is possible, like at home with friends. Not out in public. We're afraid. It's terrifying sometimes. Maybe we'll be in jail tomorrow. No one is safe. Every morning could be your last as a free person. That's a given. You're so young and beautiful. Everything is ahead of you. What kind of lives will you have here? There's no way I'm staying here. Are you planning to leave? Well, yeah, probably. Because let's just say, without fair elections it's hard to live here. Thank you. The word

'sorry' can't begin to express my grief. It's impossible to express. All this is very painful. When the war started, I felt so sick. Being with like-minded people helps. All my life I've healed myself with words. This is why we needed this show. Uliana understood my idea straight away. She agreed immediately. We have to talk about what's happening. Essentially, it's a conversation. It needs to be said. There is so much inside me that I can't say openly. I try to communicate through writers, fam

ous ones. I can speak through them. Without fear. No one will put me in jail for the word 'war' in their poetry. These aren't planes, these are peace doves. They are coming your way. That one really flew. -Mama, when will I grow up? -You want to grow up? Eat your meat. -Mama, buy me a real horse. -A horse? Don't be so silly. -Mama, can I be a pilot in a plane? -You can. -You can charm Satan, you won't plead in vain. -Mama, is war really coming to us? And will my future be lost? Vanya was the fir

st boy in our family. Before that we were all girls. The marines recruited him. He was based in Sevastopol. He was just a golden boy. Vanya, he had a broad upbringing. This is a photo from his modelling portfolio. I'm Vanya, I'm a student at the Institute of Literature. I'm working on a book of short stories. I am in two Kirill Serebrennikov plays. I'm the smartest, most handsome and the kindest person. I have lots of experience. The most relevant is the Bolshoi Theatre. He left home. And fell i

nto the world of Moscow bohemians. This is the world of theatre with its own views of life. Its own ethical and moral criteria. Vanya fell out of our world into that one. And he understood he wasn't like that. We talked about it. What should he do? We decided he should follow in the footsteps of the great writers. Join the army. Here's my kit: machine gun, parachute and the reserve 'chute. Vanya called. His unit had been told to say goodbye to their loved ones. It might be their last call. We ta

lked for over an hour. He was holding back tears as best he could. I say, "Vanya, show me what you have there." "Show me what you've got." He showed me a machine gun. Like he used to show me toys as a kid. I asked him a question. "Is this your decision alone?" It really mattered to me. He said, "Yes. I took the decision myself." Vanya could always make up his own mind. He said, "We have to keep fighting." "If we don't do it, who will?" We leave tomorrow, there was no notice. What can you do? You

've got to smile about it. We're praying everything will be okay. Our cause is just. I've said it all. Hello to everyone. I'll write when I get there. Hugs and kisses. Those are his last words. I put everything I dreamed of into him. Any nation, but especially the Russian nation will always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors - and will simply spit them out. Like an insect in their mouth, spit them onto the pavement. For the first couple of days after I made my speech to

the Council I thought, at most I'll get a fine. On the third or fourth day my video had reached English-speaking countries. I even saw Spanish subtitles. I knew then there could be a criminal case against me. It was the weekend, so there would be some delay before they could charge me because I'm a councillor. They need the permission of the Regional Investigating Committee. So, it's March 27th... I filmed this video as I left my apartment. I had no idea when I'd be back. I had to choose between

prison and emigration. My feelings... I really didn't want to go. I don't regret anything because the truth must be told. The scariest thing was leaving Russia. That was the worst. You don't know if you're on a list. Whether they'll let you through. It's like... a lottery. Russia has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. There has been a brutal provocation by the Ukrainian Nazis in the city of Bucha, in the Kyiv region. In his latest video, Zelensky demanded Russian soldier

s be prosecuted and he speaks to the mothers of our soldiers. in English subtitles, the word 'executioner' was replaced with the word 'butcher' because it rhymes with 'Bucha'. Hello ladies, what do you think about Vladimir Zelensky? I'm negative. Why? Because he caused all the troubles. He's not clever. And what troubles has he caused here? We are going to war. Our children are dying, our grandchildren. Who started the war? What do you mean? Don't you know how it started? Surely you know. Our pe

ople in the Donbas rose up. They asked for help, and we helped them. In Ukraine they're bringing back Nazism, fascism, the murder of civilians and children. It's impossible to watch television without crying. Maybe you should turn it off? You can just switch it off - have you tried? Well, we turn it off from time to time, but it's interesting. Independent YouTube channel 'What Can Be Done?' I am doing this for myself, for my conscience. At least someone is trying to do something. What do you thi

nk about Vladimir Zelensky? But we're careful, we're afraid. We don't shout the word 'war' on camera. My dad goes to Sevastopol. The guys were expecting him. They gave him Vanya's things and told him officially he was dead. They said Vanya is Cargo 200. He died a hero. I thought, what does it mean, 'Like a hero'? What does it mean? It's absurd. I don't want a dead hero for a brother. I want him to be alive. The apprentice in a holy settlement... will rest in peace in the bosom of Abraham. Reunit

e him with the holy souls... With your holy love... Something isn't right. Who are we supposed to be protecting there? What are our boys dying for? I never could have imagined my brother would come home in a zinc coffin. Dad and I have a tough time talking. Before this happened with Vanya, we didn't discuss the war. But after he died, we had some awful fights about it. I took the bus to university today. Like an idiot I was carrying a yellow umbrella. There was a police sweep there. I thought, '

They'll arrest me for my blue jeans and yellow umbrella.' Can you believe it? You're right to be afraid. That's what it means now. What does it have to do with me? No, it's not you. Before that, this guy walks by in a yellow jacket. They grab him and put him in a police van. They wouldn't arrest over that. They arrested him right in front of me! Not for his yellow jacket... For the colours, the colours. We were in a shop and we told the sales assistant, "You've got a Ukrainian flag hanging there

." She says,"What flag?" I say, "Look at your jacket." The flag of Ukraine. What do you mean a flag? The colours. I said to her, "Are you for the fascists?" Dad, it's just colours. She grabbed her jacket and hid it away. That flag is a symbol. It's the flag of a country. It isn't a flag of a country, but rather a government that preaches fascism. During the investigation, a number of experts were consulted. They told me I had to see a psychiatrist. Okay, so I went to that doctor. This morning my

lawyer told me, "The results of the assessment are in." We're going to have some fun! Today we found out the charge is Vandalism with Political Intent. We'd thought the maximum would be three months. Now it's up to five years in prison. The judge asked the investigator an interesting question. "Why is a psychiatric assessment being ordered?" Neither the investigator, nor the doctors, nor anybody... no one had an answer. So, what the hell was all this for? This marvellous, wonderful, most humane

court in the world is sending me to the madhouse for a month. You'll be in a car, right? You'd better sit in your car and watch this crossroads between Lenin and Lunacharsky. If you see a patrol car send me a Telegram message. Is this the first time we've made art without Lyonya? Yes, that's right. Copy. Can you hear me okay? I can hear you well, we're on our way. Scared? Fuck it. All clear? Can we start? Copy. My generation has had it easy. I have a pretty simple outlook on life. My country sh

ould be warm, good and comfortable. But no, they tell me you have to suffer. Because 'our cause is just.' If they make a move, I'll let you know. Okay, fine. Start working on two rows at a time. You need to hurry up. The state tells us to fight for their ideals. That we should sacrifice our lives for the state with nothing in return. I'm not a big fan of this idea. Leave now, quick. You need to leave fast. THIS POSTER (ART) COULD RESULT IN CRIMINAL OR CIVIL PROSECUTION The video's working. I can

see the green Soviet walls. There's no sound though. Press the button. Hello. That's better. Hey! Yes? Happy birthday! Fuck you. So, how are you getting on in hospital? Listen, are they feeding and watering you? Are they gentle and polite? The people are alright, gentle and polite. All I can see is sick people in bed. So I'm alright with it. If I understand you correctly, they're not treating you, you're just under observation? No pills or other stuff? Nothing at all. I'd never agree to that. I

'd be screaming for help. Did they talk to you at all? Did they ask any questions? I met with a doctor once. I suspect it won't be the last time. So you think they will make you stay another two weeks? I really don't know. Another fifty here. Vasya, you're too heavy. It's not a passport photo. I'll have it, thanks. I'll put it inside my passport. You have a passport on you? Always, we're in a foreign country now. At first, I thought everyone was friendly here. As soon as we checked in we went cr

azy, dancing away. Then we decided to go out and get some drinks. The first thing we saw was: 'Fuck off Russian warship' I see some other things about Russia and I get it… GLORY TO UKRAINE So I started speaking English. I'm feeling really uneasy and ashamed, like I'm squatting down to take a crap in public. PUTIN IS A DICKHEAD It's all a game. Like some game we played as children. Like, I don't know, toy tanks... but on a global scale. Are you saying that the decisions were all made by somebody

else? People in power started this game. It's not a game. It's a fuck up. It's a fuck up. It's only a fuck up because Ukraine looked towards Europe... and they have every right to. Yes, but there's more to it, there's resources at stake. And other bollocks like that. It's like a drunken squabble. No, it's simpler than that. If somebody breaks into your house and starts fucking you up, are you going to defend yourself? If someone starts fucking up Vasya or me, wouldn't you fight back? That's it.

This is no game. It's a question of who started what, when. Who attacked who, Uliana? That's it. One of them attacked first... Who attacked? ...and the other attacked because they lost a tiny bit of land. Do you really believe the Ukrainians were going to attack us? Yes, if you believe that... But you know it's absurd. You don't really believe that? I'd like to believe it. I don't want to believe my brother died in vain. You want to justify the loss. It's so painful. You need to hold on to somet

hing. And I can't blame either side, I can't blame anyone. I know it was my brother's choice. Right or wrong, I don't give a shit. Is everything okay? Four, five, one, six. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. The rescue helicopter should be here soon? Definitely. Guys, I'll pass the bag down. We need the pin and the glue. We can tie it. So it makes a noise. Like a chain. We'll make the artwork part of the tunnel. You can hang it now. ALL THIS SHALL PASS THIS TOO SHALL PASS NOTHING SHALL P

ASS Welcome to the programme, friends and comrades. There is a special programme tonight. The top news is Putin's address to the people. For the defence of our homeland The President has announced a partial mobilisation. I feel sorry for young people. Of course I do. But what can we do? I feel sorry for the children. We have kids that age. Of course, it's a shame. Hi. What do you think about the mobilisation order? I don't like it. What else can I say? Sadly, I can't say more. It's dangerous. To

talk? Sometimes even to think. Even to think? Yes. You didn't say anything. Thanks. Take care. What do you think about mobilisation? Honestly, I'm shocked, we don't know what to expect. We've a young family, a small child. If my husband is called up, it'll be difficult. Psychologically and materially. We simply don't know what will happen. If called up, will he go? Yes, he'll go. He's ready to go now. I don't want him to go. It's okay, we don't need to ask him. You said for me, that I was ready

to go. Are you ready? If necessary, of course I'll go. Where could I hide? We've got another twenty minutes Maybe an hour and twenty to kill. More and more people were being drafted. More and more panic. If we don't leave now we'll be stuck forever. A new Iron Curtain will come down. So we took advantage of what looked like our last chance. Those thousands who are fleeing... what are they? - What do you call them? - Deserters. Deserters. I think every army punishes deserters. Therefore, I belie

ve we need to restore the death penalty to the Russian criminal code. It's necessary. Absolutely necessary. I decided it's time to leave. We've a hard journey ahead. I'm flying with two friends, it's going to be a hard trip. because we grabbed the last tickets. Tickets are now going for astronomic sums. If there are any left. Of course, leaving is really scary. I mean Mum is alone. She's been ill. Have you seen what's being posted? "Why are you men leaving your mums, wives, daughters and sisters

?" This feels exactly the same as when it started. But now I am even more desperate. And I'm really hurting. I feel like I did when Vanya died. Let's go towards that shop over there. Okay. We can move back and forth. Is peace between Russia and Ukraine possible? I'm late for work, I've no time for politics. Hello. Is peace between Russia and Ukraine possible? Yes, I think so. When is it going to happen? Who knows. What needs to happen? Our governments should negotiate, I guess. Is peace between

Russia and Ukraine possible? I think... of course it's possible. What needs to happen? I don't know. As citizens of Russia, can we influence events? Change things within ourselves? I'm a working man. I provide for my family. I don't know. I can't change anything myself. But if everybody thought that way... Everybody does think that way. Don't listen to anybody who tells you different. Nobody is going to get involved. The question is whether people will unite and become free? Those who left won't

come back. Those in prison won't get out. I think we're doomed and nothing good will happen. That's it. May all the fallen heroes of Russia enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It's getting cold and dark. My heart hurts. I can't declare war on my own father. I can't say, "I hate you because we disagree." All I can say is, "Dad, I see it differently." That's all I can say. Hello. Hi. Now a good time to talk? My main question is what happens if we don't come back? What would happen? If you stay, you'll b

e in a normal, civilised country. You'll get political asylum. If we return, what'll happen? What do you predict? If you go back, you'll get drafted at the border. You'll be off to fight in Ukraine. They don't issue a summons for no reason. I am coming back from holiday. It's possible that'll happen. Okay, that's true. I love my country. I never said I wanted to leave. Now I have a chance to live somewhere else. But I don't want to. Cappuccino. Medium. Sounds like a good plan, right? At home I c

an hide and keep doing my thing. I don't see how I can help anything from here. Tomorrow, everything is going to be good. Tomorrow will be bright, warm and free. The only thing we don't know is when that tomorrow will come.