Inside Putin's Censorship War: How These YouTubers Are Fighting Back

[@roman_nfkrz]

It’s good to see these people represented in the West as well, thanks Johnny

[@dnlmurray]

Heey Roman! Nice to see you here! Guys, subscribe to Roman, his content is lit.

[@jshell0771]

I wish the West would also represent Russians who support this war, which is most of them, but it ruins a popular and false narrative of “Putin’s war”. The only reason this war was possible is because of ordinary russians, who supported Putin’s rise to power in 2000s, annexation of Crimea and Donbas in 2014, and now full-scale war in 2022. Russia commited genocide long before Putin in Chechnya, yet no one talks about it. Russians aren’t victims and never were. Ukrainians who lost their loved ones are. It makes me really disappointed as a Ukrainian

[@dnlmurray]

@@jshell0771 war-supporters are well-represented by the Russian government though. Their voice is heard loud and clear, their actions speak for themselves. Why giving them additional platform? We need to give platform to those who are silences and oppressed. To show that there's another Russia behind all this shit. That not every Russian supports what's going on.

[@bomberdomme7308]

the first thing i asked myself in this if they put you on that fucking list as well. hope you be good.

[@dnlmurray]

@@bomberdomme7308 they probably don't care about Roman. His content is in English and they probably never ever heard of him. You are a problem only if your audience is in Russia.

[@juantejadapng]

As a musician myself, I've actually been investigating a bit about this, but from a musical perspective. Turns out the Russian government has been doing this to musicians as well. They are banning the concerts of several artists they don't like. Artists who are speaking out against the invasion of Ukraine are blacklisted. It really makes me sick. Thanks for calling attention to this Johnny!

[@АлександрЕрмаков-э5й]

That's totally true. My favourite Russian singer Zemfira is now on that list too

[@juantejadapng]

@@АлександрЕрмаков-э5й Very unfortunate. Reminds me of USSR times and how composers back then were also highly restricted by the government.

[@hmmm8085]

This is nothing new, Britain banned Snoop Dog once.(what he said) Other countries have all kind of bans for humans don't align with their VALUES. It's not that bad is you make it sound. However I Think It is important to have a freedom to say whatever you want. That works the best for everyone. It is complicated and we need as many sides and different sources as possible to make informed decisions.✌️

[@cidshroom]

A channel called "Bandsplaining" recently did a video on this

[@HyperHorizon]

@@hmmm8085 lol, yes, cause Snoop is such an influential POLITICAL figure...

[@MrSpherical]

I can't express words for how much I love the nuance of this video. How it prompts reflection into our own biases. Setting an example!

[@cringe_lord5762]

Damn Mr Spherical is also here 😂

[@GwainSagaFanChannel]

@@cringe_lord5762 always has been I mean he covers current global situation in his videos

[@hyy3657]

You CAN NOT take freedom and democracy for granted, they need to be carefully maintained.

[@Username12038]

hey MrSpherical, you should prepare for the Redditors who will reply to you while weaponizing logical fallacies. they do not have an arguement and are most of them are hardcore Redditors who just moved to KZbin to infect it with their negativity.

[@RandomIdioticGuy]

Bruh MrSpherical, unexpected for sure

[@АннаБондарец-д8щ]

The list isn't growing every day, it's growing every Friday, we have special "foreign agent's Fridays". And we sincerely congratulate people with this title, because it's like the title of honour, of the person who's telling the truth. Although of course it's giving them a lot of trouble, but also they get a lot of support from their viewers.

[@sloshed-rat]

The problem is what that title entails. A foreign agent in espionage terms is someone who gets "dealt with." Here's hoping these people who are not afraid to speak... are not "permanently silenced."

[@АннаБондарец-д8щ]

@@sloshed-rat Yeah, I get it, by now the only journalists or KZbinrs who are in danger are the ones who speak about Chechnya or its leader, but who knows what will be next. My point was that these "foreign agents" are getting the opposite treatment of what Putin has hoped. Instead of treating them like spies many Russians just trust them even more. This guy's failed in everything

[@ЮлияЛ-щ9ш]

And why there 'honourable' people decided to cancel their statuses in court? Because they are not earning enough when being foreign agents and want to earn again as much as they used to?

[@storytellerscorner13]

@@ЮлияЛ-щ9шbecause they want protest through every single way they can

[@satvata]

everything what he says, is desinformation. Starting from the beginning. I am from Russia and half of my relatives live in Ukraine. See, according to Russian law, "Foreign agents are those who lobby the interests of other states and somehow try to influence the public opinion of citizens of the Russian Federation, the political situation in the country, collect information about the military sphere and/or receive any assistance from abroad". Before a person who gets this "title", he or she is going through a process in the court. All cases of those people who got those foreign agents title are open and their story can be checked. That person never checked their cases in court so he has no right to play role bof a judge for them and moreover for Putin who represents our Russian nation. In this way this Johnny insults a big nation and moral principles. If you study the story of do called journalists you could understand why they have got their names. Nobody put them in jail. They are obliged to write in every article that they are foreign agents. That is all. Why ? Because they do not say or write truth. And this Johnny stands for those bad people who support nazism in Ukraine. See, those so called journalist never defended simple people in Donbass when Ukrainian government has been killing them from 2014 till today but when Russia started to defend Russian speaking people (actually 80% of people are Russian speaking because Ukraine was always part of Russia and was created by Russia), those "journalists" started to speak about peace. This Johnny doesn't understand politics, he doesn't know the story of the Ukrainian conflict, he doesn't know history of Russia and Ukraine. He does not know that exactly such kind of foreign agents helped to destroy Ukraine. They also desinformed simple Ukrainian people and turned them in nazists who every new day do new military crimes in their contry. Actually those journalists try to destroy Russia from within and create chaos. They try to disunite , to desinform Russian people, especially young people who are less experienced and do not know well the history. Russia has been trying many years to solve conflict in a peaceful manner. Check Minsk agreements. But Ukrainian government broke all those agreements though promised to their people to finish their war. Their peace promise was a platform to get power in Ukraine but they broke their promises given during election. Check Poroshenko and Zelen. promises during election. If you want to know what Ukrainian government do with independent Ukrainian journalists , historians, politicians, check the story of Oles Buzina, Oleg Zarev. Those people or similar were killed or jailed. Try to understand that nowadays wars are starting in internet, in TV and one should be very smart to distinguish between truth and desinformation. Johnny can't be a specialist in every sphare of life. He is not able to study everything to understand what is going on and make correct conclusion. I lived in Soviet Union , now I live in Russian federation. My grandfather was living in Ukraine. He was fighting against Hitler. And those nazis who kill today Ukrainian people burnt his house. So those Ukrainian nazis were supporting Hitler during the second world war. Check the history. So Johnny supports nazism. Try to understand. Don't be naive. Check information from both sides of conflict. Not only from one side. For your information, Russia do not fight simple Ukrainian people. Our goal is demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine. If Russia wanted to start a real war, this Ukraine was destroyed in the first one two days of war. Remember how USA destroyed Yugoslavia. We do not fight in such way. Because Ukrainian people are actually Russian people. We are all relatives. So why should we kill our relitives? If you check the story of conflict, you will find out that Crimea, and Donbass region joined Russia in their own will and they always voted for pro Russian government in Ukraine. But when real president was illegally removed from his post, removed not by election but by force, by weapons they did not accept those bandits in 2014. That is why illegal Ukraine government ( = killers ) sent solders to suppress citizens all over the Ukraine who protested against illegal government.

[@ArmandoD10S]

That "media commentary moment" is brilliant! it's literally a lesson of how a good and independent journalist has to think to do his job properly, with ethic, to spread an information the most neutral way he can (even if total neutrality is impossible to reach). This is a real educational video about skeptical thinking, we need more and more of this content in this "media jungle" we are living in. Thank you!

[@dheiyomain6775]

I always admire people who risk their lives reporting inside of authoritarian nations. Hats off to all journalists that risked their lives to spread the good word

[@jrocks6969]

it's hard reporting in USA u might be killed

[@max-cs9ko]

Are you talking about USA?

[@dheiyomain6775]

@@max-cs9ko uhh no?

[@garrett3108]

@@max-cs9ko You typically don't get poisoned when you speak against the U.S government. I'll agree that there are many paralells with the U.S and Russia, especially where corruption is concerned, but it doesn't work out to he even close.

[@dheiyomain6775]

@@max-cs9ko im gonna level with you, americans take a lot of their freedoms for granted. You guys dont know just how easy it is for you

[@Nastyopa]

I am a Russian journalist and it is a very important video for me and my colleagues, thank you. Actually I am ex-journalist, because several months ago I realized that such work almost completely killed my mental health and seriously affected my physical health. I mean it is impossible not to take to heart everything that Putin and his government have been doing with Ukrainians and Russians. I left the profession, but I bow to all independent Russian journalists who continue to work despite the risk.

[@jshell0771]

Nastya, “Putin and his government” were chosen by Russians. Ukrainians are victims not of Putin and his regime, but of Russians as a whole, since they are the ones who go to war and commit war crimes. There’s no such thing as Putin’s war

[@Tina.Di.Napoli]

@badofi can you put some examples on what exactly you mean?

[@timmannchicken]

@badofi None of what you listed justifies Putin's treatment of its own citizens and specifically journalists.

[@Siranoxz]

Yo, you can´t pull out NOW?, we are in historic events that will change the world. The more you contribute the likely it is that you are part of that historic event despite the difficulties. Just think about it.

[@andyc9902]

Lay low don't talk . If you can leave.

[@joachimbikas880]

"the idea of my country destroying another country and destroying itself". This hit me hard.

[@mmacwebb7306]

Indeed. Your word really hit me!!

[@SNEZNA9]

Sounds like USA )

[@HülyeLó]

@@SNEZNA9 yes of course, "Irina"

[@SNEZNA9]

@@HülyeLó yes that’s my name )

[@a.nelprober-rl5cf]

Hopefully it doesn’t hit harder than your ability to fully open your eyes. I have Down’s syndrome, I understand, we are in the same boat.

[@MrNikoSXE]

I'm one of those guys who got their face smeared in this video and I'm happy to be a part of this amazing work. Johnny so much in context as if he lived in Russia for 10 years

[@Sandrilyonaify]

It's not just journalists, it's musicians, writers, eco-activists, civil rights organizations. Most of people I followed and supported are now international agents, some are also labled extrimists or unwanted elements. This is scary and horrendous. Most of those people had to leave Russia. But due t sanctions they also got cut off from their savings and youtube monetizations. Thankfully they manage and a million thanks to them for the work they are doing.

[@dmytrosmyrnov]

Those who are cut off from their savings can always get back to russia to fight for the freedom!

[@PrograError]

@@dmytrosmyrnov maybe, but better believe they will be in the gulag . silenced. then again you could be a troll, I don't know, with the War... or "special operation"

[@dmytrosmyrnov]

@@PrograError I'm just trying to say that it's their own fault that they are gifted their country to putins mafia. And they are responsible for all putins actions as well as returning country to it's people.

[@alexfokin4182]

@@dmytrosmyrnov what about different teenagers or who lives in the small towns? It's very easy to blame all of them and don't get into details

[@dmytrosmyrnov]

@@alexfokin4182 It's very easy to make excuses for not doing anything. What is really difficult is to fight for your rights and freedom. We have already given you many examples of how to do it. Try it at least once.

[@NikiProshin]

Every second week I see familiar names in the foreign agents list and I’m kinda proud to see my fav Russian artists being in that list. Which means they dared to stand by their opinion and got “punished “ by Russian regime

[@kisenachannel]

That's a quality tag nowdays ;)

[@bjorn-falkoandreas9472]

Niki, it was amazing to me how Roman and you tried to comply with laws and rules when those laws and rules stopped protecting you even if you complied. It felt...naive and yet I hoped it would work out for you. I hope there again will be room for naivety. People have a right to be surprised about being punched in the streets of St Petersburg just for speaking English. Some day that kind of surprise will again be justified. People need to understand how brave that was. How brave Natasha was for filming herself defacing Z in broad daylight. Z0ZZ was a bad year. I am not sure what lesson we should learn of it.

[@choosyduchess25]

hello, niki. I hope you are safe and healthy.

[@bjorn-falkoandreas9472]

@Nikolay Karlovich Nah. Coating a nugget of shit conspiratorial thinking in a coat of truth still makes it shit. While it is true that there are now multiple centres to counter Russian propaganda and psy ops, those are not a hit list. And you misusing a scary mUslIm sounding name for the concept only works on people who already are drinking that shit from a 12 gauge hose. Try your craft on somebody who does not smell the stank than came from your mouth.

[@dianesawtell7216]

Good to see you here Nikki. Keep up the good work.

[@discocycle]

I am in Georgia right now and went to an "English practice club" last night at a bar. A lot of people wanted to talk to me since I am a native speaker. Everyone else there was Russian. It was like dozens of Russian refugees - idk if you can call them refugees? But young Russians who all fled because they don't agree with the war. It was really interesting to talk to them. A lot of them work remotely for companies in Russia or Europe. A woman I met was telling me that her parents really believe all the Russian propaganda and she's so sad about it.

[@Mike-fn8dj]

Hey! I'm in the same situation, I've had a lot of arguments with my family about the war, but eventually gave up to keep my sanity

[@discocycle]

@@Mike-fn8dj What do they say? I am so curious....it's a very different part of the world than mine, and I have few people to whom I could ask questions.

[@RuSky_Y2B]

Parents understand what is really happening, but she does not. Young people did not care what was happening, they saw when the country was already drawn into the conflict. Let them leave, the main thing is not to return with their distorted mind. If they do not like the country that gave them free education, medicine, let them look for another country, as they consider without "sin". The fools left, the society inside became more united.

[@silith7027]

@@RuSky_Y2B Talk about a solid brain washing. I wonder if you're even able to think for yourself anymore.

[@syedfahim6695]

​@@RuSky_Y2B agreed

[@thefocuschic3234]

Mad RESPECT for those journalists and KZbinrs. The world would be a really better place with bravery like theirs.

[@wazzup233]

Actually VLOGGERS and KZbinrs. The journalists of today are becoming more biased.

[@shervinnasrin]

I like you Johnny Harris but this video is full of shit. NATO kept pushing near Russia and was loading up weapons near the border even when they agreed not to. Putin said there will be consequences but they thought he was bluffing so they kept going… the invasion of Ukraine was the result of western countries breaking the agreement and putin is doing it for his national security. And also why tf are you complaining about Putin not allowing LGBT to be taught to young Russian kids? You guys are absolutely sick and there’s something wrong with you. Please fix yourselves.

[@aresnir2725]

You don't need much bravery to criticize your own country from abroad and by western money.

[@rexroiyal]

@@aresnir2725 would people really risk their life just for money? what would they use their money for if they are dead? look at Navalny and all opposition that is speaking against Putin? either dead, tortured, or in gulag. do you think they would prefer western money over their lives? obviously they are fighting a much bigger fight that is worth risking their lives and that is to open the minds of russian people that is still blinded by Russian media.

[@aresnir2725]

@@rexroiyal Yes, there is risk of doing active opposition politics inside Russia, but there are hundreds of anti-Putin bloggers on KZbin, no one at ny risk, because many of them live abroad.

[@ifeonenko]

Johnny, as a Russian, I cannot express my gratitude enough for your video. Thank you for providing such a precise depiction of the situation in Russia. Unfortunately, there are millions of people who have been subjected to propaganda and are now suffering from a type of mental illness caused by this false reality. This is a significant tragedy for Ukraine, Russia, and Europe as a whole. Once again, thank you for shedding light on this issue!

[@robmcd]

This list will help your countrymen obtain political asylum in other countries.

[@sureshkrishna8515]

You forget to put u r foreign agent

[@goldensaddle1361]

@@sureshkrishna8515 bruhh 😭😭

[@ruskarden]

Ruzzians kill Ukrainians, bomber Ukrainian cities and still says that it's tragedy for ruzzia. All of ruzzians are so delusional

[@ifeonenko]

@@sureshkrishna8515 well, I'm a kind of, actually. They consider me being under the influence - technically, it's the same.

[@umutsametkoz4849]

Unfortunately, as a Turkish dude, this to me feels like a harsh version of what we've been going through for the last 20 years.

[@karyon1007]

I've been hearing a lot about your upcoming elections. Hoping for a democratic outcome for Turkey. There is a great deal at stake for your people. Also, my deepest condolences for the tragedy unfolding from the earthquake. I hope your loved ones are safe. ❤️ from 🇺🇸

[@umutsametkoz4849]

@@karyon1007 thanks for all your good wishes much appreciated

[@Rambam1776]

Do you think you have any chance of getting rid of Erdogan?

[@navinvent]

Good luck in May.

[@bruhmoment5145]

Same my friend, best wishes from India.

[@blanknot_e]

I love this about Johnny. He is not hesitant to show you his craft, when he talks about media being just a bunch of people feeding you their point of view, he does not exclude himself from the lot, inviting us all to question what we watch or read, even his own material.

[@theguy192]

Yeah because he used tucker as an example and not the whole msm on Brandon. I love his no bias opinion

[@petecamper]

the guy still believes Russia was involved in fixing the US elections, need I say more.

[@prapanthebachelorette6803]

Admirable

[@pyramidion5911]

@@petecamper just about every major player with the ability to do so tampers with elections. The dems may have blown it out of proportion but it would be naive to think Russia had nothing to do with it.

[@TheJubess]

@@theguy192 he litterally said he was biased. You make no sense.

[@jaydensuwu]

As a Russian, that lives right now in Moscow, I'm fascinated by the accuracy of how you portrayed the state of mass media in my country. Thanks for the video, it is really good.

[@Ytekai_]

I left russia but this is realistic. The tv is bullshit

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Do you have to register a foreign agent for writing this comment? I'm asking seriously. Do you have guidelines for participating in western media commentary?

[@danielkostov9489]

@@charisma-hornum-fries nah, not even close. As long as you’re not a well-known person, you won’t get the foreign agent status. The comment above is rather tame even by the draconian authoritarian standards of Putin’s regime. However, the scary thing is you can actually end up in prison for any type of dissent or sympathy towards the West/Ukraine. One guy made a post in social media about dreaming of meeting Zelensky in his sleep and got fined for that narrowly escaping jail time. Hell, you can go to prison for putting a like under the wrong kind of post. So, foreign agent = famous person or a journalist who is showing dissent. If it’s a normal person, they usually get fined or jailed for “disparaging/slandering the army”, which is a law they came up with just to fight anyone who opposes the war or government

[@Valencia_268]

@@charisma-hornum-fries not yet, only if you are popular..

[@saitaro]

​@@charisma-hornum-fries No, for now there is no punishment for commenting western media or any content consuming. I doubt our gov't has instruments to check what you do on YT. At least as long as you stay anonymous. But they "work" on Russian social media, like VK. A "wrong" comment or even a like for one can cost you freedom.

[@Dima2012]

I am Russian and against this war and Putin's regime. Thank you for bringing this issue to attention 🌟

[@gewnurb]

"this comment was brought to you by a foreign agent"

[@yarav153]

@@gewnurbright now anyone in Russia can be called a foreign agent by our government, so yeah, you are right

[@juliestanfield8433]

I am American and against this war and Biden 's regime.. Biden DESTROYS U.S!!

[@anon-il9qf]

You are a not intelligent person who hates Putin but ignores the issue of American imperialism. Noam Chomsky needs to sit down with you for about 10 hours and explain how the world really works.

[@DsillyDude]

no you are not, stop lying. Putin will win

[@moonasha]

as someone who watches russian youtube from time to time, when you see a video labeled as a "foreign agent", that generally means it's a good video 😂

[@just-some-muslim]

I think Russia should try the Western way, *“Silence them Silently”*

[@akalion213]

@@just-some-muslim ?

[@just-some-muslim]

@@akalion213 Just like how they silenced the 2001 Iraq war in Media.

[@just-some-muslim]

@@akalion213 One word, *“Julian Assange”* Wait another word, *“Edward Snowden”*

[@akalion213]

@@just-some-muslim That's two words

[@nstkpv]

What is not mentioned in this video (which is so accurate, btw, it's impressive), that not only journalist are "foreign agents", but anyone can appear in that list. For example, a scientist Ekaterina Shulman, is a foreign agent too. She had a show on the radio about society and politics, she did not tell any news or opinions on events/politics. She teached people what is democracy, how society works and etc.

[@legionofyuri]

Really proves how hard it is to censor the internet even by authoritarian regimes.

[@Masterhitman935]

The next best step from them is to limit access or fragment/segregation user to a “approve” domains. Think N.Korea isolated internet that is separate from the greater internet.

[@thommyneter168]

Yep, you almost have to censor it from the ground up like in China

[@mikea.1586]

i think the great firewall of china trumps them all and is the dream of many of these authoritarian regimes.

[@singular9]

Not for america lmfao, they tell you its free speech and then control the narrative.

[@badoem5353]

@@thommyneter168 but can't you penetrate it? Like the internet has to many layers to to keep account of effectievly not?

[@AlexPigin]

I wanted to contribute to this video but was ill at the time. Me and my wife left Russia in September 2022, having no other choice but to go. As an English teacher and a musical artist, my life is at a weird place now. As someone born in 1995, I have lived pretty much my whole life under the dark cloud that is Putin’s regime. By age 14 I already knew I wanted to leave. This is all just very sad. I keep doing what I can, supporting independent journalists and outlets such as the ones interviewed in this video and continuing to talk to my family back home.

[@hieronymusbutts7349]

Question: did your study of English ever mark you as suspiciously foreign in Russia? (We already knew being a musician made you suspicious, musicians are suspicious in every language)

[@AlexPigin]

@@hieronymusbutts7349 I wouldn't say so, my primary cause for concern for my safety and well-being was based primarily on me being young and, well, male. Being an English teacher in Russia is still a job like any other. You are infinitely more likely to face pressure for your political views than for your line of work.

[@lmonk9705]

So you knew you wanted to leave in 2009, but flow abroad only when the draft started? Cool story bro

[@hieronymusbutts7349]

@@AlexPigin I understand. Thank you for clarifying. What part of Russia did you live in before leaving, if I may ask? I've been trying to study Russian culture and my two main sources are a) other confused westerners trying to look into Russia and b) Russian expats such as yourself-so your answer is greatly appreciated. Thank you. :)

[@AlexPigin]

@@lmonk9705 you do understand there is a big difference between wanting to live abroad and carefully working your way towards relocating and having to considerably speed up your efforts under circumstances that might make it impossible for you to do so if you stay put for any longer, right?

[@ABrusilov]

Since I have been using KZbin in the 2000s, I have never commented on videos. I have never felt the urge to do so, but this video touched me deeply. I am a spanish watcher that has been learning Russian for years now and I have seen all the process of the Russian youtube media as a foreigner and I was deeply impressed by how well this video describes it. Many of the journalists mentioned here are my day to day basis when consuming information about today's Russia (Such as вдудь or Fake News for example) as well as some Russian state media (such as RT or Россия 1). I also watch Johnny Harris videos regularly and, as a spaniard, I was surprised by how well he treated the lost of the colonies of the spanish empire to the US (even though as a history lover you can always notice some flaws or differences). Just to put some context on what I am about to say. Therefore, I feel like this video is one of the most important tools we have to fight against russophobia and both Western and Russian Propaganda. It explains to everyone that question why the population in Russia do not revolt, when the truth is that they do and they are using all the tools they have in doing so even though it is getting harder and harder. It also explains that here, in Western Europe and the US, we also have nuances and we cherry pick content and we do not even notice. Not everything is black and white obviously. But the detail that stands the most about this video is that, the difference between Western and Russian Propaganda relies on the blockade from the state. In Spain for example we had a terrible dictatorship for more than 35 years and, even though it is still a taboo topic, journalists can cover what happened freely without being prosecuted. Meanwhile, in Russia, if you want to talk about what the government is doing currently you either have to escape to other countries or you face the possibility of being sent to jail. I was deeply touched by an interview done by вдудь to a politician (Ilya Yashin) that was still in Russia and fighting against the war. He published the interview on the 16th of June of 2022 and on the 13th of July he was sent to jail. Lately, in December, he was sentenced to 8th years in prison. I could write a long story but I do not want to bore anyone reading this. Thanks again for covering this topic and doing it so. I am glad that people like you and your team, Johnny, are showing the world way more than any traditional media would do. Thanks.

[@irinad.7802]

Gracias por esto comentario, Miguel. Спасибо, что вы с нами.

[@Dora-rr3hw]

Thanks for mentioning Ilya Yashin. Even in jail he continues to stay active and speak up about what he believes in through the social media

[@shervinnasrin]

I like you Johnny Harris but this video is full of shit. NATO kept pushing near Russia and was loading up weapons near the border even when they agreed not to. Putin said there will be consequences but they thought he was bluffing so they kept going… the invasion of Ukraine was the result of western countries breaking the agreement and putin is doing it for his national security. And also why tf are you complaining about Putin not allowing LGBT to be taught to young Russian kids? You guys are absolutely sick and there’s something wrong with you. Please fix yourselves.

[@gusstavv]

OMG! A Spaniard who talks (and writes) in English!! And very articulated! :P

[@Grek1574]

Мое почтение❤

[@lisssie.]

The funniest part, that you didn't mention, is that comedian also got the same restrictions. And there even were the situations, when it wasn't possible for them to stay in Russia, cause they would've get arrested. Sooooo, Putin sometimes had something against comedy. That's Russia in todays world. And for example, all the stuff that shocked you, is a common thing for me. And it was a shock, to understand that in developed countries comedians do not get arrested for jokes

[@Zoommers]

Despite all the trash that is going on right now in Ukraine, I still believe, that someday (probably not in this universe, but still :) Russians will kick all the shit out of Putin *Praying for this!* Thank you for the chance to participate in video!

[@AM-mu2kv]

You underestimate how many supporters he still has

[@dmytrosmyrnov]

To do this they should stop complaining on the internet and actually do something. So you're definitely right about - "not in this universe"

[@martabakcoding7784]

With the combined pressure of war and economic hardship I hope we have another february 1917 revolution

[@dmytrosmyrnov]

@@martabakcoding7784 yeah, "hopes and wishes" is a famous weapon of russian opposition. Extremely powerful in putting social consciousness into sleep.

[@martabakcoding7784]

@@dmytrosmyrnov cool

[@Unnitt]

Hey, buddy! My girlfriend and I left the country after the war started because of the threat of going to jail, as we had been doing activism for a long time. Thanks for your insightful overview of the situation, it's really important to talk about it in this format in the west. Not all people who have never lived in a dictatorship easily understand what is going on inside the country.

[@kosipova01]

Thanks for covering this topic, it’s so crazy how people lose rights in a decade

[@Finneseyou]

Nigga

[@phillipjacobs9982]

Are you Russian?

[@seriouslyfun9740]

Sorry but what is that heart with US Dollar under your name?

[@quartziteheronquine]

It's their donation to the channel

[@lolazakrzewska8058]

I spoke to a Russian woman at a Ukrainian protest in dublin and she told me about how hard it is because she has been living in Ireland for 10 years but the rest of her family are still in Russia and only watch state TV so fully believe the lies. For someone who lives in a relatively decent country and enjoys free speech this was just difficult to imagine

[@SrdjanBasaric-w2s]

@Fiamo Scarlette You want proof that the Ukrainian government is just a bunch of Nazis?

[@davydkinandrey4442]

Yes, we are all round idiots here in Russia and only a bunch of "special" people led by Navalny is just a ray of light among the stupid and barbarians. Turn on your head and finally realize that in Europe there is exactly the same propaganda through the media as in Russia, only with the opposite message. And I'll tell you a little secret, Navalny and his company did not distinguish themselves with anything good, except to shout "all politicians in Russia are bad, let's make a revolution." Any adult understands that the revolution does not end with anything good, but only with suffering and poverty.

[@K767-o1t]

Lol if you think you're getting the full picture in the Western media you're sorely mistaken. The Russians aren't the only ones with a narrative and an agenda to push. Like they say, fish don't know they're in water.

[@SokolRock]

@Fiamo Scarlette Why would an ordinary Russian person look for alternative news on KZbin if he doesn't know that the news on TV is lying to him? Has that ever occurred to you? And even if someone starts to doubt, why should they start believing those who are branded as "foreign agents"? And another problem that everyone forgets about KZbin is its algorithms: If I had never been interested in politics or if I had supported Putin, KZbin would never have offered me videos with oppositional political content. I wouldn't even know it existed.

[@games4us132]

@@SokolRock how do you know who is lying to you? you blame Russia media 'cause they "spread lies" but you believe your media because they told you that telling you true? is that how its work?

[@digital_ninja]

Johnny, thank you very much. You did a good job. I lived in Russia before the war had started. And only youtube showed that the people around had not gone crazy yet.

[@evgenii.pudanov]

Great seeing you here! I watch your podcasts/interviews constantly and I am a huge fan of your work Hope you and your family live a great new life in Cyprus

[@farhadkhodayari]

As a person who live in Iran under the horrible situation of propaganda and control I feel it by my bones .

[@nedisahonkey]

Glad you got out. Hope some time soon your homeland has freedom and not the US invading you kind like we have Iraq. Persian culture is so rich and beautiful and every Persian I've met has been very kind and generous.

[@a.nelprober-rl5cf]

@@nedisahonkey Who the hell said they got out? Are you illiterate or literally illiterate?

[@guyindecatur]

You should hear propaganda the CIA spreads through US media. Talk about the Matrix. Unreal.

[@eisernigel]

situation in Iran is much worse(

[@syedrahman3251]

What kind of internet access is in Iran? Is it like china and the great firewall?

[@SergeyZykovGo]

Dear Johnny, thank you for sharing this story with the English-speaking audience! We need to be heard in the world as well. Independent Russian journalists, thank you very much for your daily work, great efforts, your talent and professionalism. When I see how many views your KZbin videos have, I feel like I'm not alone. There are hundreds of thousands, even millions of Russians, like you and me, who don't support Putin and his terrific criminal regime.

[@DAN-TAK]

U.S and NATO have been much worse for so many years, Putin is like an angel compared to the west no doubt, everything people say he does or is doing you can guarantee U.S / NATO have no doubt exceeded beyond what Putin has done

[@ТаняПриймич-и6с]

So why you're not useful?

[@DAN-TAK]

@@ТаняПриймич-и6с Your saying I'm not useful ? 🤣

[@027Julia]

Thank you! From the bottom of my heart. For all this hard work. For the open mind. For every little detail. I watch the majority of these people every day and they keep me (as well as a lot of other Russians) sane and seen. Watching you talking to them is like the best version of the universe. This is a masterpiece of the journalism! I wish you and your team to grow and achieve everything you want! Praying for peace and freedom.

[@satvata]

everything what he says, is desinformation. Starting from the beginning. I am from Russia and half of my relatives live in Ukraine. See, according to Russian law, "Foreign agents are those who lobby the interests of other states and somehow try to influence the public opinion of citizens of the Russian Federation, the political situation in the country, collect information about the military sphere and/or receive any assistance from abroad". Before a person who gets this "title", he or she is going through a process in the court. All cases of those people who got those foreign agents title are open and their story can be checked. That person never checked their cases in court so he has no right to play role bof a judge for them and moreover for Putin who represents our Russian nation. In this way this Johnny insults a big nation and moral principles. If you study the story of do called journalists you could understand why they have got their names. Nobody put them in jail. They are obliged to write in every article that they are foreign agents. That is all. Why ? Because they do not say or write truth. And this Johnny stands for those bad people who support nazism in Ukraine. See, those so called journalist never defended simple people in Donbass when Ukrainian government has been killing them from 2014 till today but when Russia started to defend Russian speaking people (actually 80% of people are Russian speaking because Ukraine was always part of Russia and was created by Russia), those "journalists" started to speak about peace. This Johnny doesn't understand politics, he doesn't know the story of the Ukrainian conflict, he doesn't know history of Russia and Ukraine. He does not know that exactly such kind of foreign agents helped to destroy Ukraine. They also desinformed simple Ukrainian people and turned them in nazists who every new day do new military crimes in their contry. Actually those journalists try to destroy Russia from within and create chaos. They try to disunite , to desinform Russian people, especially young people who are less experienced and do not know well the history. Russia has been trying many years to solve conflict in a peaceful manner. Check Minsk agreements. But Ukrainian government broke all those agreements though promised to their people to finish their war. Their peace promise was a platform to get power in Ukraine but they broke their promises given during election. Check Poroshenko and Zelen. promises during election. If you want to know what Ukrainian government do with independent Ukrainian journalists , historians, politicians, check the story of Oles Buzina, Oleg Zarev. Those people or similar were killed or jailed. Try to understand that nowadays wars are starting in internet, in TV and one should be very smart to distinguish between truth and desinformation. Johnny can't be a specialist in every sphare of life. He is not able to study everything to understand what is going on and make correct conclusion. I lived in Soviet Union , now I live in Russian federation. My grandfather was living in Ukraine. He was fighting against Hitler. And those nazis who kill today Ukrainian people burnt his house. So those Ukrainian nazis were supporting Hitler during the second world war. Check the history. So Johnny supports nazism. Try to understand. Don't be naive. Check information from both sides of conflict. Not only from one side. For your information, Russia do not fight simple Ukrainian people. Our goal is demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine. If Russia wanted to start a real war, this Ukraine was destroyed in the first one two days of war. Remember how USA destroyed Yugoslavia. We do not fight in such way. Because Ukrainian people are actually Russian people. We are all relatives. So why should we kill our relitives? If you check the story of conflict, you will find out that Crimea, and Donbass region joined Russia in their own will and they always voted for pro Russian government in Ukraine. But when real president was illegally removed from his post, removed not by election but by force, by weapons they did not accept those bandits in 2014. That is why illegal Ukraine government ( = killers ) sent solders to suppress citizens all over the Ukraine who protested against illegal government.

[@johnnyharris]

Check out our new map video format where we tell the story of how the US Government has overthrown dozens of leaders in other countries: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laisgKR-iNiJb8U

[@millmoormichael6630]

Cheers buddy

[@Valkyrie1941]

Dude.. you subtly did propaganda in this video as well.. example- repeatedly naming and showing Tucker Carlson while showing "Propaganda segment" And showing your face and naming Anderson cooper when showing "Good journalist segment". You are no better.

[@DAN-TAK]

@@Valkyrie1941 Agreed, he did pretty much admit he does though.

[@Valkyrie1941]

@@DAN-TAK naah..he was very subtle about it.

[@annazekria7931]

Unfortunately, impossible from within Russia. Our bank cards are not accepted anymore due to sanctions. But for the people who have better passports and / or managed to get foreign bank accounts - support Johny. For me, the value of all your content just rose through the roof: after seeing how nuanced and accurate this piece is. Judging from behind the curtain and being from the profession.

[@Nastiazik]

*As an English-speaking KZbinr from Russia, I agree with this video. I hope after a while I won't see myself on the list of foreign agents. No to Putin's regime*

[@asdrdffaddd]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@just-some-muslim]

Either you're in delusion or another CIA psyop bot. *“West doens't have any Ally, only Interest”*

[@jrocks6969]

I hope u are sent to front lines with ak

[@ToadyEN]

Praying for your people, the death of your soldiers is unjust, blood is on Putins hands

[@chunib]

"Большой брат следит за тобой"

[@irinad.7802]

As a Russian I can only say thank you for making the struggle against authoritarianism here inside Russia visible.

[@x7Samuraix]

Censorship against journalists happens even here in the USA. Can’t even imagine what true journalists experience in Russia or China.

[@Yuri77711]

It doesn't happen enough. The so-called "independent" journalists in US are just contrarians and useful idiots parroting divisive anti-US and pro-russia narratives. From leftists like Jimmy Dore to liberals like Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi to right wing populists like Tucker Carlson. A bunch of libertarians are pro-russia. Tankies are pro-russia. Half of republicans believe in crazy conspiracies about globo-homos waging war against traditional christian values with russia (70%+ divorce rate, highest abortion and HIV rate in Europe, 17% church attendance) and putin being their last ally because putin said something against giving hormones to trans kids (yep that's all it took, now everything he says is like a gospel). There's free speech and there's clever propaganda fine tuned for the information age which aims to overwhelm people with multiple fake narratives mixed with facts so that people either give up on trying to figure out what's happening due to limited attention span or narrative fallacy kicks in and conspiracies are born.

[@guyindecatur]

US media is controlled by dual citizens at the behest of foreign interests. The US media is still lying about 911... So, there's that...! EDIT - the censorship on YT is off the charts.

[@JeanLucCaptain]

don't you mean ESPECIALLY HERE? you have to be REALLY naive to think USA isn't the most propagandized and lied to population on the planet.

[@massetozacarias5693]

Most conservative journalists tends to be shadow banned. There's no denial to that

[@Iv4Bez]

foreign agent law started as American copy paste

[@shooeng]

I am an ordinary Russian, and I wanted to say thank you for talking about our problems in an understanding way. The things that are happening in Russia and the things our army is doing are truly, really terrible, and more people should know about this. Before the war started, I had seen the future, and now I only feel hopelessness. Thank you again.

[@vadimzhdanov3246]

This War will be over. And we will take our country back. Save yourself. We need in you. That is the task for us to grave deadmen, restore all the damage and build a new Russia. Free and peaceful.

[@markclifford1857]

Hello 👋 Dear. How are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Mark Clifford and am from Denver Colorado, where are you from? You seem like a real country girl

[@shooeng]

@@markclifford1857 no, I am not.

[@DSesignD]

@@markclifford1857 just stop

[@hakooplayplay3212]

Наши воины сражаются против нацисткой заразы и коллективного колониального запада, но проигрывают в информационной войне. Поэтому вы на стороне врага. Но пройдет время и правда дойдет и до вас. Сравните что делают наши доблестные войска и как аккуратны и заботливы к гражданским потерям, видя в простых украинцах своих родных, а как США разбомбило Ирак и применяла напреимер боеприспасы с обедненным ураном, как сотни тысяч детей только погибли в Ираке в следсиве действий армии США и кстати войсковых частей Украины, которые зачем-то соучаствовали в этом военном преступлении. Просто сравните хоть немного и поймите с каким жестоким врагом мы сражаемся. Очень жаль что украинская верхушка продалась западу и захотела воевать и умирать за них и действительно виновна в данном конфликте отвернув мирные пути решения этого вопроса, но время расставит все по своим местам.

[@RussianPlus]

Thank you. Your videos are always informative and super relevant

[@mr.fishmanman]

My God!Slava Please Make New Grocery Videos.

[@__beer__]

Are you on thr list slava?

[@VeraGolosovaArt]

Finally I have a video which I can send to all my non-Russian speaking friends, so they can see what macabre Kafkian reality we lived in. Sending love to fellow Russians, who struggle to explain why we are silenced. Thank you, Johnny and co.

[@dmytrosmyrnov]

The only question remains - why russians who are fled from their beloved country are still silenced? Where are massive anti-war protests and as well as actions to give Ukraine more weapons? Nothing like this happening because most of the russians fled not because of politics but because afraid of being mobilised. In other words russians are not silenced by force but because they are choose to be silenced.

[@KamionKing]

Tucker Carlson is the GOAT

[@thorfrere4504]

I think Johnny Harris raised a very important issue at 17:54. The media is always monitored, no matter where you live. I think it would be very important for a lot of people to find out what is actually being propagated in the west. I myself was born in Belgium and grew up in Germany, so therefore I have a distortion of reality in the western sense. That's why I would be very interested in the propaganda wich europe and the US are spreading in western media. I would really enjoy a video about this topic.

[@kevincronk7981]

You mentioned Medvedev meeting with Obama, and I've read some of Obama's autobiography "A Promised Land" (I still need to finish it but I got to that part a while ago) and even back then Obama, who got the chance to meet both Medvedev and Putin in person for extended periods of time, and who I'm assuming isn't lying now since he's out of politics, said he could clearly tell that as much as he liked Medvedev, he had no real power and Putin was calling the shots. His best case scenario from that meeting was that Medvedev might be able to slightly influence Putin in a positive way to allow some cooperation between the US and Russia, despite Medvedev supposedly being the one in charge.

[@johnnyharris]

Thanks for sharing

[@AudioBoi1]

thanks, that proves the point of Medvedev being only a puppet.

[@UAizer]

Thank you for your comment, i was writing the similar one. I was very surprised to hear how Johny fell for this well known pieace of russian propaganda.

[@johnnycheung5536]

The Russian Constitution stipulates that no person can hold more than two consecutive terms as President, but since it's not a lifetime ban like the US, Putin can simply take a 1-4 year break as official head of state without losing the strings of power. With the current situation, he can simply "retire" from Russian politics (no, not really), let someone else take the title of President (a.k.a. Emperor Meiji), and pull the strings from the shadows (dick move, but the idiots will totally buy this and think Putin's retiring for realz).

[@surfingsub5854]

Are you kidding. Could not be lying now that he's "out of politics" that right there shows you how misguided and naïve you are. He was an excellent orator and very prolific liar most of his political life. Speeches today confirm lying has not left his repertoire of tricks.

[@ISkYuP]

As an Russian born whole life foreigner just thank you for sharing this with people. Just keep in mind that people have families and salaries to pay so this is why some people don’t share their point of view it’s fucking scary and I thank god every fucking day that my parents saw it ahead and moved aboard early!

[@MrParlam]

Вот не надо, чувак! Сам факт того, что ты знаешь английский, уже говорит о твоих прозападных наклонностях. На журналистика тоже заангажирована.

[@thealexunion7061]

@@MrParlam Ты тупой я сам билинг я родился с двумя языками и что I know English and half of my family are british и что

[@MrParlam]

@@thealexunion7061 Вот ты и вскрылся. Думаешь, что твой бритиш рут и билингво даёт право возвышаться? Я квадролингва и Halbdeutscher. Твоя Британия утонет в пакистанцах, индусах и прочих мусульманах. А ваш мэйнстрим об этом учтиво и намеренно замалчивает.

[@thealexunion7061]

@@MrParlam Я не БрИТиШь рут я здесь живу (Ливерпуле )и горжусь своей странной и горжусь России великая страна но культурно и исторически а люди в ней быдло

[@MrParlam]

@@thealexunion7061 если русским хватит когда нибудь ума создать свой ФРС, то быдла станет меньше. Вот и вся математика

[@TheLunoLion1]

14:30 "Every country has totally polarized slanted television" this is so super US focused and just isn't true. In Western Europe it's not that common to have right wing & left wing news outlets, it's much more neutral. It's slowly becoming more polarized, mainly due to US influences, but that is definitely not where the majority of people get their news.

[@vladimirkolesnikov8033]

As a Russian I want to say thank you to your team for this video. It is so important for me and for many Russians I guess. Please make more videos about today's Russia reality and how does it feel to live in my country nowadays.

[@philippedefague3835]

Do you support wester paedophilia?

[@syntheticliberty3844]

well you're not under shelling and not get killed like Ukrainian civilians, so don't get me wrong, but complaines about how uncomfortable now in Russia is exaggerated especially when looking at how lots russians justifying this war

[@saitaro]

​@@syntheticliberty3844 You don't have to be under shelling to be conscious about your rights, do you? It's not about "comfort", as you might guess. This whole video is about Russians who are against the war. It also explains the nature of the support of those who do.

[@platonmakinen8280]

@@syntheticliberty3844and how do you see “support and justification of war”? Polls, which are set up and paid by Kremlin? Social networks, which are being either banned or controlled? People not protesting because they are literally not ready to pay fines twice their wage and a possibility of being sent to prison to 15 years and maybe even sent to war? You base your opinion on nothing. You only see crazy Z-Nazis ONLY because they are the only ones that won't get punished for their opinion. They won't get fined/sent to prison and they can express their “opinions” without any fears.

[@IzzyChopChop]

But what about the Ukrainian people? Their the ones being affected by your government, politicians, and so called russian liberals

[@Mary-uj7rp]

As a Russian, I can say that there is no Western content creator or KZbinr (that I know of) who understands the context of what is happening to our country better than Johnny. Thank you for spreading awareness!❤

[@oldisgoldlikeold]

Guys like Johnny Harris make me want to be a journalist.

[@coolinmac]

He’s far from a journalist

[@tempusfugit9009]

depending what country you live and born in,. you are and have the right to be a journalist.

[@mendax7125]

I feel like Johny is far from being a "good" journalist, he fits being a bad one though. I found in his arguments is that he always says "he is trying not to look through Western lenses" and he instead asks "normal" Russians their opinion. The main problem is that these Russians who told their opinion are liberals, because obviously they're subscribers of Johnny's channel. It's like asking the left-leaning fan base on what they think about right wingers and etc. Also, his videos making style becomes too annoying at this point, he is trying to copy a "VICE" style with their "intimate" sounds and cherry picked videos, just stop it already....

[@marcotamburi1781]

propagandist is what you meant

[@Lan-wx4hg]

i knew about RT and russian propaganda but i‘ve never heard of tucker carlson before and now i‘m worried

[@higztv1166]

СПАСИБО ОГРОМНОЕ ЗА ТО ЧТО ОБРАТИЛ ВНИМАНИЕ НА ЭТУ ТЕМУ, ТЫ ЛУЧШИЙ

[@ryiewasnol]

Очень классна работа, я рад, что англоязычные авторы поднимают данную тему и надеюсь будут ещё ролики, которые помогут разобраться с тем, что произошло и как

[@guzelpitt5302]

Ну да,ну да..

[@artemgulyaev2445]

As a Russian, I have been dreaming for months that a western journalist would reach out to our 'foreign-influenced' youtubers. Absolute love to you Johny from Russia

[@andrewvolodin5959]

As a Russian I want to say thank you for bringing this to attention. Your team have done a really good job! And to add some information about Russian propaganda, it’s not only creating an alternative reality, but also poisons the whole information sphere so that regular people think truth eaither doesn’t exist or is unattainable for them.

[@andyc9902]

No one is innocent. никто не невиновен. но это однобоко.

[@yogeshsingla131]

Johnny: “ hope you all are having a good Winter” Australia: “we exist”

[@yogeshsingla131]

New Zealand: “me too”

[@bellsyblue8076]

Actually we got snow here recently in NSW so it's not even that wrong, unfortunately (thanks, climate change)

[@MishShish]

It's nice to see familiar faces in this video. I'm russian, moved from it after the war was started and can totally proof that all information in this vid is a 100% truth. That channel, that Irina has mentioned (ntv), was one of the most popular channels back when there was independent channels. The story about it's renovation and converting into a governmental propaganda machine was the significant marker of new reality that ended up in situation about which you are watching now. Many journalists from this channel are now popular youtubers. Maybe that's why russian youtube is seem more like a tv with hour-long interviews

[@vladimirfyodorov]

Where did you move to?

[@MishShish]

@@vladimirfyodorov to Vietnam

[@vladimirfyodorov]

@@MishShish Wow, interesting. Why did you choose Vietnam? Or was there no other choices?

[@MishShish]

@@vladimirfyodorov there was. But my finances didn’t allowed me to move to Europe or other, more developed and democratic countries. Here I feel safe at least because it’s far enough and local government seems like doesn’t care much about war. It’s much cheaper to live here than in any other country, I believe. But also Russian bank cards are working here…

[@vladimirfyodorov]

@@MishShish Cool. Thank you for the information.

[@raptor-1462]

You forgot to mention that this Russian law was based on the US law. Objectivity is good. Try it.

[@isnimshchikov]

Great video, I just wanted to make a small comment about your note in the middle of the video, about how you should question what news outlets say. This is what russian propaganda is best at, it makes you question everything, but not in a good way. You start to think that everyone lies to their benefit and no information can be called truth, because everyone is lying. "Think they are better and more honest then us? They are just better at disguising their lies"

[@Zyo117]

A better way to look at it is "how do you know what you think you know, and why do you think you *know* it?" Did you learn from a reliable source? Is it verifiable? It's a good way to look at life in general tbh.

[@isnimshchikov]

@@Zyo117 Reliable and verifiable sources are very important

[@RuslanDenha]

Very important point, thank you!

[@pavelsokov]

Exactly, this idea of "nothing is true anyway, everything is a scam" is the most popular cop-out for young Russians to ignore everything. The hardest part is that it has a grain of truth, so its hard to fault that perspective entirely

[@eseleiennaa1303]

It’s called firehosing !

[@E42545]

Especially because of the importance of this topic, it’s really disappointing to see a continued partnership with a brand that has been well documented to be largely illegitimate and problematic. I know breaking sponsorships that put food on the table is difficult, but given how vocal long time supporters and fans have been about this with both Betterhelp and Established titles I find it surprising and sad that a channel that’s dedicated to journalism still hasn’t done the due diligence. I know how to do my own research and will continue to on not just your videos but everywhere, but feel bad for anyone who gets scammed because they carte blanche take your word. Yes, it’s not as important as the topic being discussed, but integrity in reporting (especially for profit) is kinda inextricable from the reporting itself. Please take what your long term supporters are saying seriously and don’t continue to delegitimize yourself, especially in videos about such critical stories.

[@Bradleytosh]

Those journalist and KZbinrs are heroes. Thank you. I'm from America and I really appreciate you and I'm sorry for the bull$#$#t you are going through.

[@Nata-rp6pf]

c'mon! as american you must understand that russian youtubers speak not for themselves or Russian ppl. They spread the point of view they paid for. btw, you don't feel a bit unfair that your government uses your taxes to sponsor Russian opposition? many of such oppositioners have lots of money and rich houses in usa and europe - this is the reason why majority of russian ppl don't trust them.

[@anasi1509]

Those “heroes” openly supported invasion of Ukraine

[@RKGrizz]

Your whole "Media Commentary Moment" was well placed and said. I was literally thinking to myself that you do the same kind of biased cherry picking of facts in your videos when you said you do the same thing that RT and other media sources do. Kudos for acknowledging it.

[@ТатьянаОсадчая-у7л]

This dualism of information sources in Russia (when TV is fully on one side and KZbin is on the completely opposite side) has destroyed so many families. This is heartbreaking. Information can control people's minds to the extent where they will be ready to abandon their closest family. The "foreign agent" sign may be seen as a sign of "foreign spy, western propaganda" for a father, and as a sign of quality, trustworthy information source for his son.

[@homematvej]

Russia uses KZbin too, they have troll factories, and buy cheap adds in India to fill KZbin trends with videos, so opposition doesn't get into trends

[@ТатьянаОсадчая-у7л]

@@homematvej You're right, russian government uses YT as a platform too. I'm just saying that many people found themselves on different sides, and YT kinda represents the side opposite to the TV, as it's the only open platform left for opposition. And it is a platform that provides different opinions as opposed to Russian TV which spreads only one point of view.

[@argon8908]

Almost looks like the west who praises "free speech" but has banned all media going against their narrative of "we must destroy Ruzzia" lol

[@ТатьянаОсадчая-у7л]

@@argon8908 take your 15 rubles per comment, and get the hell out of here please

[@olga7200]

пора выходить из дуализма. мир не черно-белый. желающий ненавидеть всегда найдет повод. взять готовую точку зрения и сделать её своей истинной или примкнуть к толпе - всегда легче, чем разбираться, думать, чувствовать, понимать, слышать, видеть разные точки зрения. срединный путь - вот где веками находят мудрость.

[@darya_jes]

Привет! Я из России и я посмотрела это видео после рекомендации собственно одного из независимых российских журналистов (Дмитрий Колезев). Ваш канал стал для меня большим открытием. По тому, каким получилось видео, я вижу, какая огромная работа была проделана с вашей стороны. Вы охватили разные независимые KZbin каналы. На многие я подписана. А теперь я подписалась и на ваш канал) Спасибо вам большое за освещение этой темы, это действительно важно 🥰

[@RobertStineIsTheBest]

#RussiaIsATerroristState

[@cherylpa527]

❤️

[@hakooplayplay3212]

Я же наоборот разочаровался в авторе. Делает интересные научпопулярные видео. Но здесь однобокий взгяд представлен. Показаны только те блогеры которые не поддежали Россию и уехали, другая же половина совершенно не представлена в видео. В этом ролике явно намеренно создается впечатление, что противоположное мнение есть только у Russia Today и официальных каналов, а все же кто может свободно говорить на ютубе занимают антироссийскую позицию. И это становится действительно так, потому что ютуб то фактически забанил самых популярных прорусских ютуберов даже с миллионами подписчиков. Свобода слова на ютубе? Смешно. Сейчас на ютубе разрешена только антироссийская позиция. Так что это не что иное, как та же цензура в угоду западному антироссийскому нарративу. Очень жаль, но объективностью в видео не пахнет, однобокий взгляд с выборкой нужных фактов, о чем автор упомянул... сделал вид что он то не такой, однако сделал в точности так же.

[@zakirdinlamiev6030]

@@hakooplayplay3212 Кто ебать у вас популярный? Стас ай как узко, который просто опускается в оскорбления уровня 14 летнего пацана, когда ему просто нечего ответить? Подоляка, который ещё год назад Харьков три раза взял? Или ты о постоянной своре которая появляется у соловья? И автор даже в этом видео прям явно и специально указал что нарратив у него полюбому будет один. И Вы же явно видео автора раньше не смотрели? У него как минимум три видео про эту войну, и его позиция там чётко обозначена. В чём Вы огорчились? Он всегда был такого мнения. Ну а если вас так пугает руссофобский ютуб. Попрошу вас перестать лицемерить и удалится отсюда. У вас есть замечательная православная альтернатива.

[@hakooplayplay3212]

@@zakirdinlamiev6030 Да я не постоянно смотрю этот канал, но помню его ведео про Навального, про Катар и футбольный скандал и другие вроде про подводные лодки и т.п. Казалось человек умеет работать с источниками.

[@amphibiousone7972]

Great story Johnny thanks. Peace to Ukraine Freedom to Russia. 🤝

[@arjunaryay]

It's crazy this guy talks about Russian propaganda for about half an hour, but doesn't even know American propaganda over all the world using United Nations created by his great grandparents.

[@aniatselikova]

Greetings from Russia! I am impressed with the quality of this video. Often people from Western countries convey Russian reality in a completely different way. This very well describes what is happening in my homeland. All my friends, classmates receive information from KZbin. A huge number of KZbin channels with very high quality videos have appeared in the Russian-speaking space. This is the only non-blocked platform in Russia where you can get an alternative opinion from TV on what is happening. Thank you very much for this video! I really hope that many will watch this video and be able to look at what is happening in my country from a different angle.

[@catonhottinroof]

The Russian people are a victim of putin too, too many in the west forget this. How do you fight an authoritarian regime, easy for people in the west to judge, they won't be thrown into jail for protesting.

[@leoyakovlev6547]

I was born in Russia and lived through the events you described. My family moved in 2012 when my mom was caught in protest that you have shown, and over the next eight years, I just watched from outside how Russia (I now lived next to it, in one of the post-soviet countries) became more and more chaotic. A lot of this happened sorta behind the curtains to. Like it wasn't obvious. You would hear that this and that KZbinr left, this and that organization shut down, this and that reform was passed, but a lot of news did not make it to us in full. Even when the whole foreign agent thing started, it felt abhorrent, but ultimately not critical. Another part that I noticed is that these reforms were coming in little by little, so at first, for example, only organizations could be branded as foreign agents, and then the list of potential brandees started growing to the point where now anyone could become one. Although I do not know what happened in Russia since 2013, since I did not travel to it much, I doubt I will recognize it. At least that is the impression I get from my friends who visited it and from what I see on social media. However, even though a lot of media sources I am reading were attacked, we still live on and persevere thanks to the internet, and even though it is nigh impossible to use it without VPN from Russia, it does not seem to stop people from using it. I can only hope one day I could come back, but for now I am just forced to sit in Tallinn and watch it decay.

[@MrCreeperYT_Official]

I feel sorry for you, I hope you feel safe in Estonia with the invasion threats on the Baltics.

[@kaister901]

I love the media commentary moment at 17:54. I am currently pursuing a degree in communications, and you know how communication students are the butt of the joke in tertiary education. However, your commentary highlights how important communication is. I love how you pointed out even you are limited as to what you can cover based on external factors such as what your audience wants to see and hear. I am actually studying these in my course, and with a certain amount of bias, I have to say communication is not something to be glanced upon. In the era of the internet, the people that truly hold power are those that can control communication. If you can systematically change the worldview of the masses without them even realising it. You are the one that is in control. That does not mean people should hate the media. We need the media. However, we should always analyse what we hear and see. Compare the information from both sides. The truth is always something in the middle of both extremes.

[@JG13212]

I agree with Putin on protecting the Russian people from America's LG Propaganda

[@vall.zubkov]

Dear Johnny, thank you so much for your work! Being your subscriber for ages (from Russia), I'm very glad and really appreciate that you have decided to direct your attention to this subject, which is unfortunately not so obvious for viewers in the western countries. Independent journalism in my home country is very risky, very dangerous work and I'm happy that someone like you mentioned it. Me and many other people now have to leave Russia and start a new life abroad, and the only one thing that makes us believe in the future of Russia is having all these journalists and media influencers DELIVER TRUTH about Putin and his war. We all know the truth because of them and the work they do. God save them and thank you again for this video!

[@praddumnvats6759]

Thoughts on 'Real journalist' youtube channel ?

[@vall.zubkov]

@@praddumnvats6759 unfortunately didn't have a chance to watch. Will check when have time, thank you!

[@praddumnvats6759]

@@vall.zubkov ya do check him out...he is an unbiased gem.

[@maxmuxbarok8x]

Look at robot tech 🤖👀 time traveler are you mean angry go to yourself fight you Rip red blood crazy Vladimir Putin👊😡🤬

[@antonallen8972]

Thank you so much Johnny, for covering this topic. I’ve been trying to explain these things in English to friends here in the United States, since I’m their go-to source on all things Russian (as I speak Russian fluently and was born there). Thanks to your video, my job is a lot easier now. Been watching all of these KZbinrs for years now, it’s also awesome to see them get a voice in the English media, so that people find out what it’s like in the RuNet-osphere.

[@Jay-bf1nm]

Same thing is happening in INDIA, media in India is called godi media, one last channel was remaining "NDTV" but it was recently bought by Indian oligarch named "Gautam Adani" who is friend of Indian pm "Narendra Modi"

[@cotizacionesequipo1719]

Don't you dare talk to me about freedom of expression in the USA #FreeJulianAssange #FreeEdwardSnowden #FreeGonzaloLira

[@twisted_void]

Johnny, thank you so much for covering this topic. Anyone outside Russian speaking internet space have no idea how crazy things are and it is very important to spread the awareness. Peace to Ukraine and Russia will be free!

[@memorialinc.6429]

As a Russian I appreciate that you talk about such things and reveals real life in Russia to western public, thank you for your efforts, Johnny. P.S. And it's a funny feeling when in a video of western youtuber you see so many familiar faces 😄 P.P.S. A little correction: that youtuber with blue face mask is "Scammers" not "Zoommers"

[@Valencia_268]

Yes, that’s so weird. Как будто до нас кому-то есть дело, это удивляет)

[@eruno_]

he calls himself "zoomeers" now

[@memorialinc.6429]

@@eruno_ Really? I haven't seen his latest videos yet so, apparently, I just missed this)

[@artemkarablinov4185]

This video describes nowadays situation in Russia very well. You have found really well known people inside the country. As a Russian I want to thank you. It is very important to tell the story on both sides.

[@ИннаПолякова-б2в]

Автор ролика утверждает, что его заблокировало российское правительство. Почему тогда я, находясь в РФ, могу смотреть его видео? И ещё: "Эхо Москвы", "Дождь", "Медуза" и прочие антипутински настроенные каналы у нас в тоталитарной России свободно вещали лет 20-30, до самого начала военной операции. Однако в демократической Латвии, куда перебрался тот же "Дождь", им почему-то указали на выход уже через несколько месяцев. Что-то недемократичное сказали?

[@bitrainalbiononline]

🤣 Точно

[@dachicagoan8185]

Same in the US. The biggest environmental disaster has happened in Ohio and there is barely any mention. A reporter was even arrested. I'm sure youtube does their part to delete videos that people post about it.

[@AlmiranteTipo]

any content questioning the government certified narrative about a certain disease that appeared a pair of years ago and the inoculation that supposedly was safe and effective in stopping its spread

[@knightblad5631]

Oh, this is the recent train derailment incident, resulting in a spill. Guess I'll read up on it now.

[@krombopulos_michael]

This has been covered by all major news organisations. Washington Post, New York Times, CNN, MSNBC etc have all covered it. This is nothing like Russia.

[@AyakaVR]

It'd be cool if you got a friend to transcribe/translate this properly into Russian to try open some eyes. Great work Johnny.

[@ShanyaTC]

As Russian can say, this video was not so useful for Russian. I felt like a recap watching it. Mostly he told that there is already people who is doing it in Russia like Yuri Dud. And I think every young man who knows how to use internet kinda already know those personas, it is way worse with other generations of people, they just rejecting this kind of information.

[@AyakaVR]

@@ShanyaTC I was more talking about the fact he confronts both sides of the propaganda spectrum and shows both sides can do it and to use due diligence rather than just saying Russia bad! because that will kill any possible dialogue before it begins if you’re a brainwashed russian citizen.

[@itsgonnabeokai]

the amount of Russian people who watch Johnny Harris but don't know any of the independent Russian KZbinrs that are covering both war and propaganda extensively is incredibly small

[@ИльхамИбрагимов-у9к]

В Яндекс.Браузере есть автоматический переводчик видео на русский язык. Не благодарите)

[@alexandrajones3083]

Thank you for this video! It’s really important for people outside Russia to know that there are a lot of people here in Russia who don’t agree with the propaganda. We’re not all brainwashed here! Actually,for sane people the label “foreign agent” has become a sign of a sensible and thinking person or media.

[@catonhottinroof]

Too many armchair warriors here saying russian people should get out and protest, without realising that means the state can also come after your family. This hatred should be directed at putin, not the Russian people.

[@Username12038]

@@catonhottinroof one weapon the armchair warriors utilise are logical fallicies which help them win their invalid arguement.

[@martyhassquaids]

14:45 this aged like fine wine

[@Shahabbi]

It’s so nice to see someone point out their own pitfalls about their own reporting. The “Media Commentary Moment” is something every outlet should have. Your work is amazing, keep it up!!

[@gerdbrumner4667]

“Media Commentary Moment” - best moment of the video, and maybe the only thing that is without any caveat true and right in the video !! :)

[@SMG_Clips]

Didn’t KZbin block RT? 🤔

[@gerdbrumner4667]

@@SMG_Clips how does that connect to any comment above ? :D

[@LilJonBigNuts]

@@gerdbrumner4667e’s proving your comment inaccurate about ‘the only real or fake thing he said was the commentary moment’

[@SMG_Clips]

@@gerdbrumner4667 it doesn’t. Clicked wrong section. Was commenting on video

[@MarcSherwood]

I spent a week in Hungary, and the only English TV available was RT. When in hotels I sleep with the TV on. After a few days of constant RT I felt different about some issues. The programming has an effect for sure. When I am in the US for work, I get the same odd feeling if/when I watch US news. Here in Canada, our news tends to share facts and leave it up the the viewer to build an opinion.

[@gogobrasil7185]

Yeah, American news are specially divided and extremely partial. It’s not like that in other democratic countries.

[@Ssmm3712]

because english rt was made for westerns that don't know anything about East Europe so you can bite every propaganda that they made for you

[@johnnycheung5536]

@@gogobrasil7185 "It's not like that in other democratic countries." This statement is so wrong it's not even funny. We've got a bunch of outlets that go incredibly critical of Trudeau while being supersympathetic towards Poilievre, and wanna know who Pierre Poilievre is? Donald Trump 2.0. You read that right: a bunch of media outlets straight up wishing non-whites should gtfo because they insincerely believe Canada belongs to white people. Nazism? It's not just the US that has a problem with white supremacists. We've got plenty of these Sovereign Citizen nutjobs up here in the so-called "Great White North".

[@OTROHIJO]

NATO IS GOD! maybe not totally, NATO IS THE BEST!. Typical CBC news story.

[@LdishkaAnaemia]

Actually, RT used to be quite good, I used to watch it from time to time as they showed what the west would never show from a very neutral point, but lately state got directly involved and the channel became as propagandistic tool

[@PhotoLightTV]

Thanks a lot for bringing to topic to a wide wester audience. It is not recognized commonly, but younger generations of Russian are mostly pro-western. We grew up consuming western TV-shows, movies, music and culture in general. However, for a long time we are trapped in the society controlled by a powerful police government.

[@EuleMarija]

What a bad work has been done here. Truly disappointed by this video. We clearly see how good ruzzian propaganda is, when even you get fooled by it.

[@Belemonguin]

Эхо Москвы, or "Moscow's Echo" the independent radio station was a constant background noise in my grandma's house. This everlasting buzz of political debate, people arguing, shouting at each other while we are having lunch, grandpa asking to shut down the bloody radio because he wants to hear us and not the journalists. This summer I came to visit my grandma again. It was awkwardly silent in her house.

[@olofbrandt]

Thank you. Incredible work. How you always try to show that there are two sides, even when someone is as bad as Putin, is a true help to the world. Olof, from Sweden.

[@industrious5283]

Not the only putting but also people in russia

[@mohdsohail6467]

Bigots

[@Sonishche]

Thank you for this video! I'm Russian, and I'm so proud of these journalists, they make a huge impact and great job.

[@anasi1509]

Have you supported annexation of Crimea just like them? That’s definitely something to be proud of

[@pauloberle6946]

84 and in Chemo. In Texas. Courage I don’t think I ever had. My eyes have been opened CHINA AND RUSSIA

[@insekten1971]

„Journalism is a lot of cherry picking“ thank you for reminding us. It’s not always easy but we should try to read from multiple sources.

[@kap1526]

Better yet stay away from it

[@garyermann]

@@kap1526 "Stay away from journalism" is an awful takeaway. Quality journalism is the bedrock of any well functioning civic society. The primary beneficiaries of a public that decides that journalism isn't worth supporting are the authoritarians that wish to keep the public ignorant and compliant.

[@TheJonathanMMM]

Great that you mentioned the whole "be sceptic, biases also exist in western media" and admitting you do it to. I would find it great if you would do this in every video, doing like 1-2 min. of other opinions to a topic so people can watch your video and others or read articles and create their own opinion. Be one that motivates people to do this. Also what I would have liked is that you would had mentioned that KZbin is not the great super free place, it somehow sounded. Also on KZbin politically things get censored or demotized.

[@schulerlukas2720]

Rumble is free speak whiteout demonetization of ads.

[@Default012]

He says that but then he shows his own bias by not showing the context behind the Tucker Carlson clip and then talks about the cherry-picking while he cherry-picks himself.

[@TheJonathanMMM]

@@Default012 I don't know what Tucker said, also don't know much about him. I also saw that. Was like "why don't you at least let the video play a few seconds more, what he said"? I don't know what Tucker said, but maybe it would have been a good example of using smth. out of context.

[@AM-mu2kv]

@TheJonathanMMM he at least showed you the clip and you can easily look it up yourself to confirm and where you can find the Russian video. He is biased it showed heavily in his middle eastern videos but that's expected due to the lack of good reliable and crédible translated source. His effort progression is showing with this video.

[@Default012]

@@AM-mu2kv he knows most people aren’t going to search for that one clip to get the context. Same thing the MSM does.

[@DanFiji]

Very dangerous work for all involved in this video - The people whose stories are being told here and Johnny’s team. For that, we applaud the work put into this piece.

[@alekseyfedorov3544]

In America there is totally same law about foreign agents.

[@phobiavonschwarz3094]

But it's totally different, and if you want, you can try to compare them or find someone who did it

[@FrederikAbramson]

Hello Johnny! You forgot to mention that Putin was a successor of the former president Eltzin. This gave him an opportunity before other candidates of that election in 2000.

[@guzelpitt5302]

Eltsin sold his motherland as Gorbachev did . Russian citizens hate them both. Putin did a good job as a president

[@AntonPavlovich2000]

@@meshechjordan5733 1991-1999 Russian president

[@sadmermaid]

Was that like, da, da nyet, da "vote" thing??

[@Lohanujuan]

That moment of reflection and gratitude was the perfect way to end the video. A lot of people go through life taking things for granted, myself included. I think that reflection is important

[@irynasanna6013]

The author chose the RT channel (the best example of Russian propaganda for a Western audience) and took everything for granted. What is a difference? Why didn't he watch Russian local channels where "experts" asked to send a missile to Washington?

[@jakef.7126]

He called a Muscovian war crime a "Ukrainian" war crime. Sorry, but Johnny is a farce who confuses weak centrism for critical thinking. [edit] Prof James Ker-Lindsay and Timothy Snyder are much better.

[@jakef.7126]

@@irynasanna6013 Absolutely true!

[@enigmaexplainer]

IMPORTANT NOTICE. Thank you Johnny for this video. There is a one topic you have almost never mentioned in your videos related to Russia. It is war between Russia and Georgia. Please Check this topic and If you are interested in I can have a call with you and help to figure things out. I am a journalist too from Georgia and I can promise you - This topic is HUGE and it shows everything Russia is.

[@chowchowtales]

Thank you to the Russian KZbinrs willing to participate in this episode. I'm humbled by their bravery. Impressed by their effort to move out to the country so they can continue their work. Great episode Johnny.

[@YevYevhenii]

Hey Johnny! Do you mind responding to "Johnny Harris just made the worst video in his career. Reaction from Ukraine" youtube video?

[@Василь-ю5ш]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aILUoXStfd-YhbM

[@ArnostM-ys4gq]

Johnny I will even post here a link so for you it's easier to do kzbin.info/www/bejne/aILUoXStfd-YhbM

[@julius43461]

Let me guess, they criticize him for analyzing 180 coup's that US had done, as he is giving fuel to Russian propaganda.

[@puny_God]

all the cliched ytubers will ofc try to undermine Johnny. they are pointless

[@F-22_Raptor]

Why waste time on this bs

[@Javed23022]

The only difference is that countries like Russia and China are too obvious, but we all know what USA and Australia did to Julian Assange.

[@just-some-muslim]

American propaganda is working successfully so far.

[@Arjunarjunskiy]

@@just-some-muslim right! Propaganda is actually the most powerful weapon in the 21 century.

[@mr.fishmanman]

Yes,America is Doing What Russia and China Does But They Do It More "Professional"

[@robosergTV]

Assange is a traitor and russian asset who published state government secrets, its a crime in every country to do that

[@zsoltontube]

Yet where is the Russian Assange? Would be dead before getting anywhere.

[@mrdddeeezzzweldor5039]

Johnny, your ability and influence that allows your channel to assemble this sensitive and important information is astounding. That you take the risk and go to the places you do is next level.

[@sheradeshka]

Johnny I think it would be great if u could do an interview with Ekaterina Shulman, Russian political expert

[@djohokin2325]

Johnny Harris just made the worst video in his career. Reaction from Ukraine