How I escaped from Putin's Russia and you can too |

“I don’t think it’s right for a person, being in his own country, to be afraid of the police, the government or being called up [to fight]”.
Russian KZbinr, Ivan Golitsyn, reveals how he managed to escape Russia to avoid being mobilised.
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[@acrossthepond4792]

A great interview, Ivan. Well done.

[@SL-sd3sg]

The whole of Ukraine is Ukraine 💙💛🇬🇧

[@mtam7575]

It is democracy that makes people's change, different ideas and respect rules of law individual liberty and freedom that tailors by the law of human rights.

[@verlindaallen3335]

Ohmyword I just commented on what I thought Ivan's channel. Great interview.

[@matthewdunham1689]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@arthus-itak3712]

👍

[@gaetanlizotte1957]

IF YOU DO THE SAMETHING IN CANADA, YOU WILL ALREADY BEEN ARREST

[@ickebins6948]

JBP fanboi spotted.

[@Beyond_b1]

When I left russia in 2009, I never went back because I had lived through most of the putin presidency from the start. Ivan is probably from the generation of russians who were children when I was a foreign student in Russia. They learned English and seem open minded about other nationalities compared to the oldies who are conducting this war

[@SantomPh]

Ivan actually lived for 11 years in Ireland, so his perspective is clearer than even young Russians like NFKRZ or The Russian Dude who grew up in Russia.

[@pamelajaye]

​@@SantomPh Ivan is now back in Russia because he just decided to go back... As far as I can tell. I don't see any big disasters like he had an old relative who was sick that he went back to take care of or anything like that. Or he got kicked out of the country and couldn't get into another one. He just went back.

[@Ines-uw5gi]

@@pamelajaye No, he's not. All of his content is from outside of Russia.

[@unworthy42]

I hope all of the employees down at the ole' troll farm in St. Petersburg are enjoying watching your freedoms and quality of life going down the drain. I hope you are all proud of your contributions. : )

[@Stig.Thorvaldsen]

He had to go back, because he had to see the 9 May victory day! 🤡 Now we can call him "Ivan Z", the Putin lover! 😂

[@oldpain7625]

Russia needs people like him, and yet the only chance he has is to leave his country.

[@guydreamr]

That statement is false. Among other countries, South Africa ended apartheid and Serbia turned over Milosovic primarily due to sanctions. But yes, as I mentioned, sanctions do tend to be more successful in shackling a nation's economy such that their ability to wage war is significantly restricted. Saddam's Iraq, for instance, after rampaging for years around the Middle East, was essentially crippled after sanctions were imposed in 1991, even though Saddam himself continued to remain in power until deposed by invasion years later.

[@johnnewman1819]

I think he's missing the point a little bit regarding the sanctions; I don't think anyone realistically expects that they will make people revolt and depose Putin. It would be nice if it happened - provided he was actually replaced by someone better, which honestly feels a bit too optimistic - but the main point here? Wars are backed by economy. The whole point is to make it harder for Russia to keep reconstituting their armed forces, and exhaust their military faster.

[@laurak1545]

The point of sanctions isn't to make Russians protest or make supermarket prices higher - it's to make it more difficult for Russia to fight a war (eg. by not being able to get parts to repair weaponry)

[@graceperry2623]

It's to show Russia that these companies don't support what Russia is doing. That's why they pulled out at the very beginning.

[@gakkvakk]

Ivan is now back in RuZia after a long viewer-sponsored vacation abroad. He has not given a real explanation as to why he returned yet. Many of us are really disappointed in you, Ivan.

[@johnvine5731]

Spot on.

[@SamDeeksRelovedGuitars]

Shame KZbin doesn't put recent (relevant!) comments higher up the comments page because the only relevant information now is that Ivan did indeed return to Russia. Yes, he's homesick; yes, he can do more 'stuff' in Russia (he thinks) and make better content (he thinks). And he believes that it's safe for him to return - or, even if it isn't, that the 'trade off' between risk and reward is acceptable to him. That's understandable - we all make those weighing-up decisions all the time. But I see lots of people being surprised that someone would choose to return to live in a country that continues to wage genocidal war on Ukraine and feed its young people into a meat grinder. What I see is that even of the 'intelligent' Russians who left and who blog / comment a majority are self-centred i.e. they're looking out only for themselves. They're not making decisions based on huge moral questions such as genocide and Russian imperialism but on 'What's best for me and my wife & kids? What risk am I facing?' Those who (wrongly) thought Ivan was leaving because he rejected Russia's murderous actions are subsequently shocked to think that he would willingly go back there - even if there was no direct threat to him (which, by the way, I absolutely think there is). Ivan doesn't deserve hate. He's just trying to find his way through this mess but he takes money from people who project THEIR motivations on to him and then get angry when they discover his motivation is far less noble and less grand and much more selfish. We have to keep in mind that the truly courageous Russians aren't the ones blogging from Khazakstan or Turkey, they are the anonymous ones setting fire to SU-35s and enlistment offices across Russia.

[@SamDeeksRelovedGuitars]

Clarify: shame KZbin doesn't default to most recent at the top...

[@johnusa3616]

Ivan got out again about 3 months ago (March 2024?) and is living in Thailand now and wants to go to USA.

[@williamirvine2299]

True story free holiday

[@susanelliott8901]

Great interview. She asked questions I had not heard anyone ask before.

[@cbrun1482]

The interviewer's questions were spot-on. His answers gave me a sense that he is being honest with his feelings about the situation in Russia. They are not all bad, we know, but there are more that are bad and the good can always change the bad. It just takes some standing up to do that.

[@verlindaallen3335]

You should join his channel .

[@BrianProsser]

Excellent interview ... Thanks, Times Radio 👍

[@rn87mom94]

Well done @Sanctioned Ivan!

[@williamevans7932]

Now that he's gone back to Russia, I'm sure he's not happy he can't delete this video.

[@chrisf1202]

I'm comparing too. 😢

[@johnusa3616]

He left again in March 2024 or so and is as of May 2024 living in Thailand.

[@williamirvine2299]

Free holiday

[@genehunsinger3981]

THIS didnt AGE WELL now did it.

[@sallylambert7552]

Thanks Ivan for your comments. Glad you left and you are safe. Best wishes to you and your family and friends. 😘

[@Amy-f3e]

Great interview Ivan! Russia is loosing it real patriots... Imagine what these young people could do in Russia if they had felt safe and had hope for future...

[@happycappybts]

Love Ivan, he's great! He's spot on with everything.

[@bainzey]

Been watching him for months.. he grew up in Ireland, hence the accent. Great guy.

[@SeanApplePie]

Same!

[@elizabethmurphy3832]

And now you have returned??? Why are you not worried about being mobilized? The economy there is in the toilet. The band plays on while the hull fills with water. Many supported you on this extended, gastronomic vacation. Not cool man.

[@jim2376]

Getting outta Dodge! Congratulations on your run to freedom. Way to go, Ivan!

[@tw25rw]

This guy is back 8n Russia now. Seems he wasn't in danger after all. A lot of people who supported him financially are griping that he fleeced them.

[@louisebean9428]

Ivan is very smart and brave! Good luck Ivan!

[@jacekpaszkowski2000]

He's a scammer. He returned to Russia and just left again a few days ago in March of 2024. Bernie Maddof, and Sam Bankman-Fried were really nice guys too, yet they swindled people out of their life savings, multi billions of Dollars were swindled.

[@daicekube]

Watched this guy a while back but I couldn't really put him on the right side of the war i.e. against what Russia is doing to Ukraine. I did see him getting out of Russia but felt that it was about not getting drafted rather than as protesting the war. I stopped following him and now watch INSIDE RUSSIA and Vlad Vexler instead. INSIDE RUSSIA is kept by another Russian, Konstantin, who has also left Russia. Vlad Vexler lives in the UK since way back. And of course I follow 1420 by Daniil Orain as well.

[@halkak7967]

He had to turn 'political' only after some time in Turkey, when some of his viewers started putting this sort of pressure on him and he realised politicisation was inevitable if he wanted to milk them for this and that a bit))) Tbh, I like his defiantly apolitical Russian content he used to post before he was forced to flee the Mobilisation

[@SantomPh]

the fact that Ivan left means he didn't want to be in the war. He keeps mentioning that he doesn't want to attack Ukrainians or anyone else and just wanted a normal life.

[@minimaxmiaandme.4971]

@@SantomPh Not necessarily, he is just another kid trying to make money on KZbin. He wouldn't have an audience if there wasn't a war.

[@chokolatelatte4764]

He has been quite outspoken about Putin and the government. He doesn't spend every blog talking about it like Konstantine, though that would give him more viewers, as for many there is only so much you can say daily and effects mental health. He does daily living blogs and speaks about Russia when something new and major, it may not bring the crowds of viewers like Inside Russia, but it's what he feels able to do. He is also half the age of Konstantine trying to survive. Russians who didn't leave doing daily lifestyle blogs still get higher views like Eli from Russia.

[@builderbob3149]

Ivan represents what Russia could be...

[@lloyd4301]

Wow, Ivan on Times radio. Cool.

[@pekarp]

And now he has returned to Russia.

[@jacekpaszkowski2000]

He's a scammer. He returned to Russia and just left again a few days ago in March of 2024.

[@johnusa3616]

He is trying to escape dying in Ukraine in unjust war. He lives as of May 2024 in Thailand.

[@jacekpaszkowski2000]

@@johnusa3616 He keeps doing this. He left Russia over a year ago, and came back. He left again. He does this to make money to grift off of gullible marks such as yourself.

[@jacekpaszkowski2000]

@@johnusa3616 This video is from over a year ago where he left Russia. Then he came back and left again. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b53LY4uEetGMmas You don't see the same here?

[@isabelgeddeshines4059]

And now he went back and loves it

[@verlindaallen3335]

I started watching your videos the day you left Russ. I'm so proud of you Ivan. I'm serious. You've grown into your new surroundings....so well. Your educated, strong, courageous and your responsible beyond words. Just wanted to let you know that. My grandson is 17 blonde. Kinda looks like you. I encourage himy

[@verlindaallen3335]

Also. Keep that great heart you have Ivan.

[@jamesclayton3388]

May God bless you and keep you safe!..🙏

[@zjzozn]

AND NOW HE IS BACK IN RUSSIA 🤡🌈

[@chrisf1202]

I wonder about the millions that left and what % returned for whatever reason. So far no statistics I've read.

[@hardstyle8184]

his channel is funny.... i have been following it for awhile...

[@Tom.788]

The Russians targeted and killed an American medic while he was tending to an injured, civilian, Ukrainian woman. Look it up.

[@mikethk]

I think this guy is spot on everything. . . Gl to him

[@carmenmarialinne2650]

Sanctioned Ivan is a true young hero! He recently raised over $2,000 and donated supplies to the Turkish Earthquake Refugees. He is a genuine honest young man. Bravo Sanctioned IVAN!!

[@jacekpaszkowski2000]

He's a scammer. He returned to Russia and just left again a few days ago in March of 2024.

[@Hussarianbrother]

He went back to Russia. He’s a grifter.

[@johnusa3616]

He went back but saw situation in Russia was way worse si he left in March 2024 for Thailand and lives there now in May 2024.

[@williamirvine2299]

Grifter indeed milking the system

[@edyedith]

Great interview Ivan !

[@antoniusholleboom9649]

He has returned to Russia 1 or 2 weeks ago, and waiting for a sign from Putin to join his army. This video here can be dangerous for him in Russia.

[@guydreamr]

Good interview, but I'm not so sure about Ivan's statement that "the whole idea of sanctions is to get the people to stand up against the government." In fact, rather than regime change, much of the reason behind sanctions is to constrict the war making capacities of the targeted government. In that respect, the sanctions are indeed proving quite effective. Russia's ability to produce high tech weaponry has been greatly reduced, among other areas.

[@SantomPh]

sanctions were meant to attack the economy and encourage the governments to capitulate via economic pressure. However in their execution they tend to strengthen the government instead by creating a victim portrayal and hurting civilian life instead. No country really changed its leader because of Western sanctions.

[@DeniseDDS]

Thank you for this interview.

[@Amy-f3e]

Funnt how this aged😂😂

[@SweetCooter24]

Ivan is the most amazing and REAL person I have ever seen online. He’s kind, compassionate, and very caring. He just raised thousands in like 2-3 hours for earthquake victims. His KZbin channel name is Sanctioned Ivan. I cannot say enough good things about Ivan. He is just a great human and he has awesome videos of adventures he goes on with his girlfriend and even his pets! Great Job Ivan!!! ❤❤❤

[@thomasrush2095]

Recap. Ivan has returned to Russia and is probably going to be mobilized soon.

[@hardstyle8184]

SHOULD INTERVIEW ROMAN the Russian dude... He has a HUGE KZbin channel

[@Bob-t2c]

He’s never ever explicitly condemned the invasion…. He’s just blogging about how the mobilisation has impacted him.

[@fontainerouge]

Yes, he is a joke.

[@susansmith9263]

Seen Ivan online. He may be concerned about the Kremlin's long hand of the law. They've been called traitors by Putin. My thought is that the Kremlin's focus is more on the loudest voices like Russian dissident Vladimir Osechkin, helping Kremlin's fighters and military Commanders, escape Russia, to tell the world what they saw. He has been targeted by assassins. Most young Russian KZbinrs don't hold the Kremlin's secrets.

[@Amy-f3e]

That is not true. He criticised FSB, Wagner etc. You trolls dont know.

[@realscience948]

He lives in his own world…he doesn’t know what is going on or why!

[@robert100xx]

@@fontainerouge No, Igor. He's free to make a choice.

[@GianmarioScotti]

The story about the Z stickers was funny.

[@Anusha2U]

lol too bad little Ivan returned home! … And is embracing his Russian roots

[@roselevy6182]

Great interview with Times Radio. I’m glad you stand up for yourselve. I believe you will one day get to return to your country,your still young. Best wishes 🇨🇦

[@grahamnelson8674]

How old is this man ? He looks young but hes got a good head on his shoulders 🙏👍

[@irwinmcevoy]

Ivan is 23yrs old

[@halkak7967]

@@irwinmcevoy 24 now.Had his birthday some days ago.

[@petermilne1203]

Brave guy! 💪👍👍

[@trolland]

Actually I'd say he's a smart guy. A one way ticket to Ukraine (literally) was a very real possibility. That's a very real and stark choice. The sanctions are having a real effect and their effects are going to grow a lot over time as reserves of parts are used up.. A German/Italian/French machine tool breaks or the programing needs an update? That's going to throw a monkey wrench in the works that builds over time. With some luck and hard fought battles I sure hope Ukraine will win against Russia's unprovoked war of aggression this in the near future. Clearly Russia is losing and Putin's regime is tightening it's grip on the people every day.

[@gehirnakrobat883]

Yes, he is not murdering Ukrainians, but he still left russia kind of like a coward. He could have stayed and fought the Kreml..

[@jordi0508]

How can you ask a 43 yr old if they know of Mario Andretti and they say no…..then you say do you know about Walt Disney World , and they say I’ve heard of Disneyland and what do you say it’s not their fault Russia and North Korea and China (3 peas in a pod) crazy

[@jordi0508]

No freedom to speak, no income to afford, no freedom to come and go as you please NO NOTHING YOU HAVE NOTHING

[@trevorjensen5672]

Wow I've been watching ivon on utube ☑️👍

[@verlindaallen3335]

Very good interview young lady. Ivens a great youngman. Constant prayers for humanity 🙏 ❤️ in my heart and mind.

[@8-Tryzub-8]

What I heard...he's opposed to going to war, but not necessarily opposed to the war. Otherwise he would of left when the war began. But he left after mobilization was announced. He actually seems like a kid that's done a lot of growing up fast.

[@karelpasicnjek3200]

Still a kid lots to learn

[@rn87mom94]

Then you haven’t watched him from the beginning.

[@SantomPh]

being opposed to the war doesn't mean hightailing out ASAP. A lot of Russians did hang around hoping the Kremlin was ending the operation as soon as possible. The men who left then realized the war was escalating and started to leave. It's not a case of " if he wanted to he would." It's like the Americans who hopped to Canada to dodge the Vietnam draft- when they realized soon they would not have any choice, they left. Some nuts like Sergey came back for a few months and left again, but those are the exceptions. Ivan has stated that two of the people who he left with actually went home to Russia only to get caught up in the second mobilization.

[@chokolatelatte4764]

He is opposed to the war and government, he has been pretty outspoken since he left. Even doing these interviews, he knows it puts himself in a worse position should he be forced to return.

[@ragingmonk6080]

Everyone leaves Russia, nobody fixes it.

[@malexander6367]

Ya, cause sometimes leaving a burning house is smarter than trying to extinguish the flames.

[@jim2376]

One factor may be that Tsar Vlade the Journalist Murderer's security forces nationwide are more numerous than the entire Russian military.

[@edyedith]

​@@malexander6367 Exactly 💯

[@gehirnakrobat883]

@@malexander6367 So let the Ukrainians go into your burning house and fixing it, because they are chained to it. Not the right thing to do...

[@a.h.s5152]

Prayers for you I'm glad you got away, I feel bad for the innocent ones, I couldn't imagine living in all of that terror of being slaughtered in senseless wars, then walking on egg shells, all because of that spoiled evil selfish heartless Putin in his stink rotten huggies diapers that they say he wears since he poops on himself alot.

[@sharonchase6704]

God bless you 😉☺️

[@marvinc9994]

........."the biggest problem is the Russian MENTALITY" Beautifully put. And an important component of that mentality is an almost untreatable _rigidity_ - especially when it comes to the mythologised 'West', and an infantile belief in the 'need' for Russia to be governed by a Strong Man, no matter how morally reprehensible his actions and his views.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Thank You Ivan! I just started following your KZbin channel!

[@eisenschmeisser3959]

Maybe his trust in Georgia is now rising, after those brave people go out on the street there and declare, that their future is in Europe..

[@mmmmlllljohn]

I really like Ivan and am subscribed to his channel. He is smart, articulate, honest and funny too. I hope he will be able to go home one day. May God bless him. ❤️🇨🇦

[@Zenon00007]

❤Ukrainian ❤

[@nickgood8166]

Good questions, very pretty interviewer.

[@StarsManny]

Ivan is not only a good guy in general, he's also a natural videographer and his videos are worth watching.

[@hmmcinerney]

He should come back to Ireland, lots of tech jobs here, rents are high though.

[@SantomPh]

he's mulling it, but he needs more options

[@considerthis7712]

Actually the best way to escape Russia is to get approval to do an education course in Finland. And don’t return.

[@ThisHandleWasTheOnly1Available]

My friend - he's a dual citizen - has been traveling between Russia and Canada with no issues.

[@bainzey]

That’s not true

[@ThisHandleWasTheOnly1Available]

@@bainzey Yes, it is. He's got no problems going back and forth to Russia. The only thing is airline tickets have gotten more expensive and there're no direct flights anymore.

[@annoyed707]

Then, maybe. But now they are eing told to leave Russia.

[@ThisHandleWasTheOnly1Available]

@@annoyed707 who's being told to leave Russia?

[@SantomPh]

there are new laws coming up where dual nationals will be treated solely as Russians, including conscription and imprisonment. Your friend will be interviewed the next time he comes to Russia.

[@annworthy5423]

Borscht is Ukrainian

[@robertwysocki2073]

And _barszcz_ is Polish!

[@goodrobot1]

Why did you end up going back? I know you just recently left for Thailand, but that's only in the last few days.

[@Test-uj6nh]

Sanctions? Reebok and Adidas changed their storefront names and had their stock shipped via Turkey. Loopholes.

[@richardburgess8657]

Ivan’s great. 😁👍😎

[@SolSmoak]

Dude! Greetings from Chicago! Thinking yer subs are gonna spike!

[@adrianhudek9111]

Nice guy

[@lindaSee89]

Great video Ivan. I know you better by speaking your feelings.

[@martynjones4755]

Nice to hear your story. We are all simperthitc to your plite. Good luck for your future. You are a doer and are destin to do well. Use your talent well.

[@feraltechproductionsFTP]

You are a smart guy. You did the right thing and the hard thing. I feel for all those who tried to leave but were unable and were sent to fight and die in a war they did not support

[@bravewave2084]

All citizens, hear yee, hear yee, leave immediately...

[@thegreatujo]

"...to be honest with you" :))

[@jdbolynhoward8557]

I was looking at a video which said its private...was very wanting to see it till it got marked private

[@willbygosh4887]

He's back in Russia.He wants to go to Florida now.

[@dippyfish]

Nice chap.

[@S.Lang7]

This is just a tragedy for Ukraine and for young Russians as well who’s future or life has been taken by a single mad.

[@dixsusu]

Where is this country Russia ? Just found out about it . Asking as an american .

[@bravewave2084]

It astounds me that you just found out... maybe you're joking...if not, I m embarrassed as a fellow American.

[@maggie_n_mitch]

Next to the sovereign land of Ukraine 💙💛

[@Espacemtl]

Take a left turn at...Albuquerque.

[@bungalowjuice7225]

West of Alaska, bordering the state.

[@TheWildEntrepreneur]

👏👏👏

[@bravewave2084]

Russia became a democracy after the 1980's until Putin destroyed it. Right? Gosh, you are smart. You could be a leader. Maybe you'll be President of Russia. 🙀

[@--Charlie--G]

You know your country has hit rock bottom when it has new balance shops 🤣. I don't think I've ever seen a new balance shop before. It's like being forced to wear Dunlop trainers as a kid. Then again they have lada cars .

[@richardextall2002]

Dunlops are now cool and £50 a pair.

[@--Charlie--G]

@@richardextall2002 🤣😅 I'll take you word for it

[@jakejoyride]

Good decision congratulations to you and your kids

[@taichitao85]

Escape, no Kick out, yes

[@Sam-pn2kc]

He only cares about him self he dont care about ukraine

[@SantomPh]

wouldn't use?

[@barreloffun10]

Perhaps so. Is that a crime?

[@vladimirboskovic]

Imagine that this guy must defend you

[@andreasankara]

From what? There are also weak people who are afraid, there is nothing strange!

[@vladimirboskovic]

@@andreasankara just saying

[@andreasankara]

@@vladimirboskovic he is afraid of a senseless war, made by a dictator who doesn't give a damn about his people

[@vladimirboskovic]

@@andreasankara when my people was at war here in montenegro relatives from usa traveled to join fighting this one is a coward and a traitor his ppl are dying

[@andreasankara]

@@vladimirboskovic But one may also not share what his government is doing, this war is the war of the Russian mafia terrorists not of the Russian people, he was simply more intelligent because he understood it and did not make himself deceived by propaganda

[@goodkarna]

Said Oligar Jr.

[@paulstrydom674]

fairy

[@michaelesq.atpcfii.9862]

for crying out loud! APPLY FOR A VISA , GREEN CARD AND CITIZENSHIP in America! It's going to get much worse in Russia and the surrounding countries. but not Ireland.

[@SantomPh]

he was thinking of applying via the lottery, but he has been told Russian passport holders might not be considered.