99. Special Release: Vlad Sakovich - The View from Russia: An In-Depth Conversation on Anti-War Activism under Putin’s Regime

In this compelling episode, we explore the challenges and realities of anti-war activism in Russia with Moscow-based educator and activist, Vlad Sakovich. From the risks of questioning the regime to the complexities of fostering dialogue, Vlad provides a nuanced look into the intricacies of activism in a restrictive environment.

Brief Summary of Vlad Sakovich:

Vlad Sakovich is a Moscow-based educator, psychologist, and anti-war activist. Despite the risks associated with his work, Vlad has been deeply involved in grassroots dialogue initiatives and anti-war movements since the 2014 Donbas War and Crimea's annexation. He facilitates open forums for Russians to discuss the war and runs an online course on civic facilitation, aiming to change the Russian narrative surrounding the conflict.

Key points covered in the conversation:

• Introduction to Vlad Sakovich
  • Background as an educator, psychologist, and anti-war activist
  • Initiatives like open forums and online courses on civic facilitation

• Motivations for Activism
  • Gradual involvement sparked by a series of incidents
  • Initial focus on societal change while being apolitical

• Turning Point in Activism
  • Connection and subsequent disconnect with a Ukrainian mediator at an international conference
  • Realisation of the need for dialogue in conflict situations

• Challenges and Realities in Russia
  • The diverse profiles of those supporting the invasion
  • The risks associated with questioning the Russian regime
  • The difficulties of fostering dialogue in a restrictive environment
  • The sparse network of anti-war activists in Russia
  • The impact of legislation criminalising dissent
  • The emotional toll of activism in a high-risk setting

• Work and Objectives
  • The compelling need to take action
  • Various trials and efforts in fostering dialogue
  • The importance of grassroots initiatives in a country where top-down change is unlikely

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the challenges of anti-war activism in Russia, a topic often shrouded in complexity and risk. While this episode remains free to all, please consider subscribing to The Voices Of War here, to gain access to all other episodes. I thank you for supporting the show.

Lastly, to find out more about the excellent initiative by my friends over at IN2 Comms I mentioned in the intro, please go here.

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