‘The lack of freedom of speech always leads to grave political consequences.’ — In April 2021, Meduza — the most prominent Russian independent publication — was labelled a “foreign agent”, a mark that’s been used profusely by the Kremlin to disrupt the work of news organisations and independent journalists touching on sensitive political issues. …

CHORNOMORSK, UKRAINE — When the Russian bombs started firing on February 24th, it was still before dawn in Arina’s home city, some 15 kilometers from the port-city Odesa (population 1M). The sound immediately shook Arina, her sister, and her parents out of bed. “I immediately understood what was happening. I…

I am embarrassed. — I’ll be honest. I don’t like writing or talking about politics. Where I am from, nobody does. My generation — people born in the late 1990s — was brought up in a dictatorship country with no rights and no ability to voice our minds. We were sold the idea that…

And everyone else who believed in a brighter future. — Most people in the U.S. will find it hard to imagine, but people my age — born in the late 1990s — know no other president except Putin. We were born and raised with one president. …

“There’s no Ukraine I am used to. The Russians had destroyed it.” — In the months preceding the war, Anna’s inner circle brushed off any possibility of Russia invading Ukraine. They didn’t give it much thought as they watched the news of oligarchs sending their children abroad or witnessing the Russian embassy burn their files, causing a massive smoke. “It’s one of their…

‘We go out for those who can’t.’ — Living in London is tough when you’re a 24-year-old emigre from Russia, newly married to a Ukrainian, amidst the ongoing war. The rent prices have increased by as much as 20%. The reference checks can quickly become a nightmare for foreigners without an address record. As my wife Juliet and…

One thing you should probably know about me is that I am an introvert. I know some people say there’s no such thing as introverts (“It’s all in your head!”) — but who cares what those people say. Introvert or not, I get tired after spending considerable time among people. …

Feeling you’ve arrived is a strange thing. Not to sound like an asshole, but my life is perfect. I’ve got what I’ve always wanted. I have money, a loving partner, an apartment in the best city in the world (paid for months upfront!), …

The thing about happiness is that you only know you had it when it’s already gone. — Three days ago, my wife and I moved into our new London apartment. It’s a one-bedroom flat on the ground floor, with our own entrance, and a small patio, large enough to plant flowers and put some garden furniture. Nothing fancy. It came unfurnished. …