Daniil and 1420
This should be available when you read this post — which is being prepared on the 26th soon after midday my time. The time Daniil gives on this would refer also to my time, not Daniil’s. YouTube does that.
Watch on YouTube — the latest as of the morning of 26th May.
4 am
My phone lighting up woke me an hour ago. It was an alert to say Daniil’s live vlog had started.
Defenceless under the night
W H Auden — September 1 1939
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.
Mind you — now at 5.30 am having watched most of it — it appears the 1420 vlog is not as ambitious politically as one might have thought. Early on he is asked about NFKRS (Roman) but claims not to know who he is. We also learn that he has travelled in recent times, is currently living in Moscow, and that he and Artyom (on the right) who speaks no English are just friends from the 5th Grade on. 1420 — this I did know — is the number of the high school in Moscow they both attended. Daniil is 22, Artyom 23. Artyom is the one who asks most of the questions in the vox pops. I suspect Daniil of putting up a few smokescreens in this post — despite the denials he and Artyom are in any real danger. That itself may be a smokescreen! Consider some of the material on their channel — such as showing Russians footage of Mariupol or of damage to hospitals in Ukraine….
Roman in Tbilisi — an absolute cry from the heart!
Do not miss this one!
I was moved to add to the over 6,500 comments — I have never approached Roman directly before. It will probably be lost among the thousands — but it has to 26th May 12.30 had a like! To 12.30 on 26th May the post has been up for nine hours and has had 160,000 views.
I am an Australian who turns 80 come July. My 3X great-grandfather was an Irish convict who was sentenced for life and arrived in Australia in 1822. Some of my other ancestors go back 60,000 years in this place. Today is National Sorry Day when we are encouraged to think of them. I so relate to what you are saying. I just hope it reaches some of those who have the power of decision-making in this world and makes them think about the many people in positions like yours or even worse. Hope this thought helps a little.
Zack the Russian
Zack’s vlog — also from Tbilisi — is one of the very best Russian vlogs. This 21-year-old left Russia in March 2022. He is outspoken in his opposition to the war and very well informed.
Denis Islamov — still in Vladivostok
A powerful post.
Neil's Commonplace Book 