Inside Russia: Traitors and Heroes - BBC News

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Despite the huge risks, two Russian filmmakers spent the year filming the impact of the war inside their country. Hundreds of thousands have fled. Those that stayed have had to choose - to oppose, support or stay silent. A group of young graffiti artists begin a campaign of subversive art to mock the government’s pro-war propaganda. An actor mourns her brother who was killed in Mariupol fighting for the Russian Armed Forces. She is against the war; her father supports it.
Storyville Inside Russia: Traitors and Heroes was produced by BBC World Service’s investigation unit, BBC Eye.
Directed by Anastasia Popova, produced by Misha Kozyrev and Stephanie Stafford, Edited by Anna Saridi & Baya Cat, Exec Producer Monica Garnsey.
Please subscribe HERE bit.ly/1rbfUog
#Russia #Ukraine #BBCNews

[@imeneezzeddine6449]

The father words struck me hard : " it's the flag of fascism." Like their loved ones had died for something other than fascism.

[@imperijaable]

Glory to all Russians who think with their own head and don't listen to Putin's lies. 🇷🇺❤️🇺🇦

[@Lybrel]

Putin's not lying when he says 10 years in jail though 🤷‍♂️

[@Edzhjus]

Freedom requires rebellions

[@aerisskyler]

Glory to all smart Ukrainians who think with their own head and who knows what's going on,to those ones whom don't listen to western propaganda. 🇷🇺 ♥️ 🇺🇦

[@skyleeramsey2727]

@@Lybrel I known and under stand why a lot of people don't stand up I don't blame you I probably wouldn't ether

[@mikyp4111]

@@aerisskyler

[@mansiupadhyay9296]

Kudos to brave souls fighting for justice and independence. Would love to see the second part of this documentary.

[@bhrafim24]

I would love to see a second part of this short documentary of their journey, this is an absolute masterpiece. I wish them safe from danger, especially from their own authorities.

[@UpRisingDown]

i aggree. 👍

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

This is so unique, you can clearly see a family that has access to information and still, a son goes to the military, dies invading Ukraine, the father still blames Ukraine, the daughter clearly has critical thinking... all inside one family household.

[@user-hv9vn4fi4w]

My aunt was kileed in 2015 in Donbass by Ukr. army

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

@@user-hv9vn4fi4w Sadly it was not you ;(

[@pionpion3193]

@@user-hv9vn4fi4w Do not lie

[@ridnovir]

that generational split was heartbreaking to watch. Stay Strong Ukraine

[@darthslackus499]

Calling a flag (Ukraine) a symbol of fascism, yet his own country has outlawed the use of the word 'war'. That father is delusional.

[@Shemay224]

What a wonderful documentary piece of info. Great job BBC

[@clamourincessant6974]

In an authoritarian state, those deemed crazy are the sane ones. And so it always goes.

[@U.H8]

😔

[@Kirstien05]

This a great news piece, but I am worried that Russia will retaliate toward the individuals that are in this news piece. Hopefully these individuals in this video can stay safe.

[@dsedh23]

@Fatma Elabd ​ creating comments bot is most shameful thing you can do on the internet

[@trungkhang7648]

Sao kh che mặt lại , chính quyền sẽ lùng và bắt đó .

[@Kirstien05]

@@trungkhang7648 That is what I was wondering as well.

[@Kirstien05]

@@dsedh23 Exactly

[@adamsauer6516]

thats the point of this peice and them agreeing to be shown. they want to be seen, heard, and used by russian propaganda to help their own cause. they are not afraid of the system, the system is more afraid of them.

[@lorysutherland5464]

Excellent Film.. First thought about Father at the end.. He has to justify somehow that he sent his son to die...Will hold tight to ideal and not feel the pain. No point in arguing . As others, hope film maker's are safe.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Sure. Just like the parents of boys sent to, say, Vietnam. No difference. Well, in the U.S. they allow peace marches.

[@jamesswift5545]

"Unsung heroes" is an understatement. We here in America take our freedom of speach rights for granted, but scenes like this drive home the reality that nothing can be taken for granted. God bless those in Russia that are standing up for what they believe in. They are true heroes to me.

[@U.H8]

❤️‍🔥🙏🏻❤️‍🔥

[@pashamor]

I was beaten by the Russian police in st Petersburg at the police station in 2008. They wanted me to confess for the theft I didn’t commit. Imagine Nazi torturing Jewish people? So this is what Russian state is doing right now to its citizens. I hope on,y some external forces much more superior than Russian state can change this.

[@elenaustinova5907]

И я так считаю - Герои!

[@Verianov]

Thanx bro

[@Lyle-xc9pg]

I have a criminal case in russia right now!

[@user-vc5iv3lg3x]

Truthfully, this was hard for me to watch till the end, idk why. But it's good that you made such short documentary. May it'd be something of an eye opener to some and like a support or something to show to others that they're not alone in their disagreement with the government's policy, that this "unspecial 0peration" should end, and it must.

[@Angels-3xist]

You can tell she blames the ideology of her father and the politics of her country for the death. When she asks her father to admit that what’s going on is crazy, she’s asking him to say the death was wrong and senseless and to be her ally. When he denies her, the look of betrayal and anger on her face says it all. There’s no telling how many families have been lost to such conflicts. The fact that their words to rebel are made criminal and taken away from them does not stop them from turning the words and symbols they are still allowed to use into weapons for their cause. You can outlaw every act and word in the world, but the truth will always come out. When the system outlaws your voice, turn it’s voice inside out.

[@catalindeluxus8545]

what do you mean by "turn it’s voice inside out."?

[@Angels-3xist]

@@catalindeluxus8545 All the people in this video are using words and imagery that are sometimes used by their oppressors. The language and symbols they use to promote violence can easily have their meaning changed and there are many layers of meaning in some examples of propaganda. For instance, many of the poets and speeches of the past have dual meaning or contextual meaning. Context often allows propagandists to hijack concepts for their own, but if people use these symbols and texts to represent their own will it ceases to be effective propoganda. In cases where people use propaganda to promote peace it is difficult to turn it into a message of violence, but it is not difficult to turn a message of violence into one that speaks on behalf of peace. The language and symbolism they have used to promote violence is actually completely controlled by the people whom it was weaponized against and their will is peace.

[@conquistadorrocket]

yeah. unfortunately many people in russia are either too stupid or too chicken for their own good

[@gloriawachtler7429]

God bless these young people and everyone of the same mind. They just want to be free to join the world. Heartbreaking.

[@natashasmashnuk1180]

God bless the Russians who actually see through putin's lies & propaganda. May they be blessed in this world & the next.

[@markuss4133]

I am sorry for the girl, but not her father and not for vanja.

[@joannaszulc1496]

Hard same

[@dyawr]

Yeah...

[@lakeinocean7869]

We think of bravery as advancing with a weapon against our deadly enemy But to resist unarmed against your torturous oppressor takes a special kind Without a weapon I could not fight and do what they do All the power to you

[@soumitraghosh6511]

Very touching and wonderfully excellent!

[@bertkauwenberghs3174]

this short is an absolute masterpiece! thank you!

[@adriaank75]

Amazing reporting. Thank for this insight. I wish all the people in this documentary well, also the father who lost his son. One day he will know when he starts listening to his daughter why his son died and to whom he should aim the blame... not Ukraine because the people there just defend their country.

[@johnnytampocao7671]

Yeah, and they lost a lot for defending the country. But Vanya is just a victim of a MADMAN in Kremlin.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

he doesn't want to believe that his son died attacking innocent people, he might be particularly hard to convince.

[@learning7140]

@@Ass_of_Amalek His son definitely didn't die attacking innocent people because he died in Mariupol and we all saw what kind of people surrendered in Mariupol. They weren't mobilized, they were Ukrainians trained by NATO and mercenaries.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

@@learning7140 they were defending their country against a genocidally-inclined military invasion.

[@learning7140]

@@Ass_of_Amalek Seeing as the "defenders" were genocidally-inclined against the pro-Russian Ukrainians (mainly ethnic Russians and Russophones), this kind of excuse doesn't hold water.

[@MaximDL1410]

Great job BBC ☝️👏✊❤️🙏🥹

[@shahidanusrat6086]

As a Pakistani I fully support love and respect Ukraine sovereignty and territorial integrity from Pakistan 🙂🇵🇰🇺🇦☺️🥰

[@user-dp8ws3cz9c]

@Waleed Khan уже нет !!

[@user-dp8ws3cz9c]

@Waleed Khan :) лупенкий вы уничтожаете будущее своих детей. Даже спустя год тебя найдут если ты смотаешся с Парашки , а если останешься то здохниш !))) Сохрани этот пост до 1 января и поймёшь

[@blackbacardi1662]

​@Waleed Khan 💩🇷🇺💩

[@mrthai-rg9nv]

your a paky , shower more please

[@37Raffaella]

@@waleedkhan3227Maybe the govt…Pakistani citizens not so much….kinda like the US….😢the govt supports Ukraine, but it is split with the Republican politicians and their supporters…..

[@sabinatagayeva1744]

It hurts when you have a parents like that.

[@cmconley33]

This is heartbreaking…especially the story of Vanya’s family. Instead of being brought together by his death, to mourn together, they’re being driven apart. And it is all for the sake of Putin’s ego and megalomania. Ukraine posed no threat to Russia-and as practical matter, they still don’t. Even if they gain back all of the land that was theirs before 2014, its not like they’re going to drive on to Moscow. They simply don’t have a big enough military to do that-and they know that their dreams of EU and NATO membership would die if they tried.

[@taligordin-kaviani1569]

@cmconley33 Ukraine isn't, and never was, interested in taking Russian land or advancing into Russia, so while I agree with the rest of your post, that last supposition is just plain silly.

[@cmconley33]

@@taligordin-kaviani1569 Try re-reading my post: I said “Even if they take back all of the land that was theirs in 2014, its not like they are going to drive on to Moscow.” First, because even though Ukraine is certainly angry enough to *want* to do that-make Russia feel their pain-they won’t, for both practical and political reasons. Perhaps I should have said “they won’t cross Russia’s internationally-recognized borders.”

[@galinashevlak9381]

Thank you so much for this work

[@azerazer9236]

Theater, writing, drawing, painting....etc...r all expressions that civil society in Russia is against the War....nd that Putin is not only isolated internationally, but also at home...

[@jimboloco3140]

I as russian, can see that these guys are true-story and they are rising some important topics to discuss. I hope this horror will end soon D: Pray for ukranian people

[@awpetersen5909]

🙏🌬️🌈🌍

[@terintiaflavius3349]

You are a Russian but have the Nafo dog as your pic?

[@poli6ady]

why are you laughing?

[@kuhen25]

What do you have to say about 8 years of Donbas? What's been going on in Donbas for 8 years?

[@jimboloco3140]

​@@kuhen25 К сожалению, товарищ майор, сказать мне вам нечего)

[@henriquemonte4789]

Great peace of work, thanks for sharing.

[@mrthai-rg9nv]

did you pay the tv licence fee ?

[@fafahamudi]

I living in Russia just fake propaganda as fake British media we know British hate Russian

[@raulmorales7313]

This is a great and deep document!!...Would be great to know where all of them are now, since all their faces and brave actions are now public

[@Mardia1976]

This is a fuller version of the documentary with some updates on the characters in the last couple of minutes of the film: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXTSoYiPlretkNE

[@pedronunez1265]

This really does help you see that, that a country is more than its government. It is its people. Unfortunately bound by the constraints of those who would rather subjugate than let go of power. And yet these people still fight ever onwards. They have a an unyielding spirit.

[@PavolFilek]

it does not matter, the fact is, that CHina, Russia and others, have weapons, that even Israel or USA or UK is afraid of, becasue we know the outcome of very small exotermic reaction in Cernobyl, which is not comparable to 8000 nukes china end russia has. This is reality, and if USA has no system, to destroy this concentrated energy, the reality is as is.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

putin still has majority support, as does the war (probably about 70% and 60% respectively, skewing much higher in all polls due to distrust in pollsters).

[@pedronunez1265]

@@Ass_of_Amalek yeah that's what's on paper. But unlike the U.S., or any western country, we can say whatever we want and not get arrested. When people protested against the war in Iraq, they were not arrested or beaten or silenced. You cannot say that free speech is allowed in russia. How many thousands were arrested for protesting the war? The people of russia fear the corrupt government that suppresses them. They won't give their true opinion because they fear being the next one to get arrested. The number is perhaps less than half or lower than what's on paper. To what extent, we won't know because people cannot speak their minds without fearing retribution.

[@informant09]

Being so retarded that you actually need mainstream media to tell you that?

[@ShaneSteadycam]

​@@Ass_of_AmalekSo? Anyone that supports Putin is a c#£t and an imperialist.

[@daviddonovan425]

"Z" stands for Zombies. If you see the "Z", you see a Zombie!

[@MaryamofShomal]

Thank God there are at least some sane Russians left… they will be sorely needed once the war is over, and Russians will have to once again decide if they want to be a part of this world, or bitterly alone outside of it 🤷🏽‍♀️ Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

[@TheDkeeler]

Victims who died in combat did not die as a hero most often . They died as a victim of an unjust unnecessary preventable war. The word hero is always being misused for deceitful reasons.

[@larsrons7937]

2:34 - _"Mama, is the war coming to us? And will my future be lost?"_ (the reader loses the script, it falls to the ground). This was so strong. These people are heroes of tomorrow, who will hopefully change Russia into somethin that can hopefully coexist peacefully with the rest of the world. These people are those who fight for the survival of Ukraine as an independent people and country, but from within Russai. May we give them all the help and support they need. Slava Ukraini! Stay safe!

[@bronik_nowar]

Те, кто внутри России не молчат, а высказываются против войны - настоящие героини и герои!

[@mandadadudu]

щоб ви всі здохли, герої і героїні разом.

[@stvk99]

ну высказались и чо. ты попробуй в Украине пацифистом быть - вот это действительно задача не из легких

[@bronik_nowar]

@@stvk99 А попробуйте в СССР, когда Гитлер напал, пацифистами быть, вот это действительно задача не из легких

[@stvk99]

@@bronik_nowar да.

[@mandadadudu]

@@stvk99 це як? відкрити вам двері, щоб ви нас вбивали, ґвалтували і грабували? таким пацифистом? безмозгла кацапня. задача не из легких - дебіл.

[@billrittenhouse6088]

Perhaps a key take-away from this poignant documentary is that Russia will have a better future with young people like these unsung heroes. I pray that they will ultimately prevail over the repression in today's Russia.

[@user-rn8vk2re2f]

Tell me please the future in your psyco country United states. Because you murder all over the world, who are you attacking next?

[@Musketman84th]

I feel sad for Russians...especially that father going on about "fascist" ukraine when they live under the boot of a pos 1 party dictatorship

[@firstlast8258]

Takes a pos to know a pos

[@tnickknight]

It's easier than excepting the reality his son died a criminal for nothing

[@andreyivanov9275]

The father words struck me hard : " it's the flag of fascism." Like their loved ones had died for something other than fascism...Freedom requires rebellions

[@pradyumna8729]

Feels more like a indie movie than real life. Well done!

[@samopdrift]

This is all so terribly sad...

[@baileyhallfilms]

very sobering and interesting piece quality journalism.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Too cinematic with over the top color correction and cheesy dramatic music.

[@mikemurphy5898]

Wow! This video has been out for less than 10 minutes (actually, it's been 3), and it's comment section is already overrun with Russian bots...

[@smileygladhands]

It's either pro Russian bots or western pro-war bots in these comments. If chatgpt can do what it does, it's not hard to believe that AI can be trained to make relevant comments with a bias. BOTH sides are doing this.

[@LMB222]

That's how bots work.

[@5r3t5n0m]

Even if there is fascism in Ukraine, Ukraine is not a country out for expansion or military ambitions, it's not a threat to anyone, much less to a country like Russia. The argument is nonsense

[@aanastasiadi]

Печаль

[@victorlloyd5271]

I agree.

[@victorlloyd5271]

Excellent video. Thanks to all who were involved in its creation.

[@sardendibs]

A very appreciated insight into something we hear too little about outside of small KZbin Channels (I recommend 1420).

[@azerazer9236]

Vanya, like many others like him, died for a cause that is not his.....

[@patton3338]

He's brave enough to show himself on camera, standing up for what he believes in, while cowards hide and make comments on the internet. 🤣

[@AMoistEggroll]

Nor is it moral no matter how you look at it.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Yep, just like American boys who died in Vietnam. But the U.S. learned the lesson and does not draft people to fight its wars abroad anymore. Putin tried doing the same, but his military is so rotten that he had no choice but to start a full-scale mobilization.

[@fukkitful]

@@patton3338 And where is he now? 6ft under. Being smart, and would need to ne brave.

[@patton3338]

@@fukkitful Only cowards fear death when the cause is righteous.

[@avicohen3035]

The grief of a Russian sister, is not any less than the grief of an Ukrainian sister. It is so sad. Wonder if feeling sorry for your enemy makes any difference. You can never wash your hands with feelings of sorrow. You can never undo the already done. It is a utilitarian exception, to mortally fight your enemy, without actually hating him.

[@proud_chinese_traitor]

Any traitors in Russia should be proud of yourself because u did right thing

[@alexsilent5603]

No, they are wrong.

[@roxiepiatigorski8473]

@@alexsilent5603 No, they are actually right and YOU are wrong.

[@alexsilent5603]

@@roxiepiatigorski8473 Russia has undeniable right to defend itself against an aggression from USA and its puppet nazi regime in Ukraine. They are wrong and you too.

[@4lyfMotorhead]

​@alex silent sure guy. Just like that propagandist who shouts at others for being afraid to die in war while his sons are safe and sound, never served and never will serve

[@alexsilent5603]

@@4lyfMotorhead If you care about innocent lives, then just stop supporting Ukraine and let this war to end.

[@gfystarshine]

Very moving 💛

[@marilenaganea6578]

Vanya died in Mariupol??? Considering how many Ukrainians died in Mariupol... Well, karma!

[@sabinatagayeva1744]

That father still doesn't understand the meaning of that war even he lost his own son

[@JL-wm7my]

What a pain, what a shame, what a grief

[@romanvladimirovichpetrikov4947]

I live in Russia and I want to say thank you BBC for your honest and useful work! Keep it up, ladies and gentlemen! Peace and Love from Russia...

[@rosemaryamundson4542]

Very impactful . We don’t get to see these type of human portraits on American news .

[@conquistadorrocket]

Держись, Лёня. Красивый и умный и смелый. Парни, учитесь!

[@71518]

BBC never disappoints

[@fafahamudi]

Fake propaganda news like always but it sad to see people think this is true I from Africa living in Russia this all fake I feel save more than in uk or usa

[@geraldineh.5696]

Great report!

[@harperwelch5147]

Heartbreaking.

[@ratave6472]

Amazing work from BBC

[@theultimateredneck8470]

Don't worry, Vanya is now a lot of beautiful Sunflowers. 🌻

[@kevinchen7403]

Poland is ten times the leader in Europe that the self-styled "leaders", Germany and France, are. Courage, fortitude, and decisiveness on display here.

[@belindachappstikheiresstot5346]

This War may destroy Russia from the inside out

[@user-ic5gh8nf3f]

Да, Ульяна. Иногда так бывает. Придется пойти против родного отца Бориса. Это гражданская война так происходит. И она уже началась в России.

[@grapek909]

If I recall correctly, the Russian government makes it very costly for the average Russian to travel outside the country and leave the country. They would have to pay per each person close to $10,000 (in dollars). This is one of the many forms of controls that are placed on the Russian people.

[@yurak7949]

Russian government has introduced no restrictions on travel whatsoever. You're free to go whenever you choose, which we could be seen when hundreds of people fled the country being scared of call-up. It's the European and American governments that have changed the conditions of getting a visa and without a visa one finds it hard to travel. However , those who do get a visa can travel via Turkey as EU countries have stopped direct flights to and from Russia. So, where does the info about 10,000 dollars come from? Joe Biden? Jeremy Vine? or your next door neighbour?

[@alexbort3082]

U recall incorrectly

[@alex_gaimar]

The figure that you stated is the maximum amount of cash a Russian can take abroad since the war started. It has nothing to day with any payment.

[@pedclarkemobile]

That's nonsense. If you have the right visa you can fly, walk, drive, even sail out of Russia. Until recently even a direct train between St Petersburg & Helsinki. EU visas harder to get these days for most Russians (unless they can prove close family ties or special circumstances). Tourism visas unlikely to be approved, but that's nothing to do with Russian migration policy.

[@Andreus9733]

As everyone above mentioned it's not so. But yes it's very very hard to leave the country since you'd need many money to move and amount of cash you can have is limited

[@josephnulley6808]

Excellent Documentary........

[@RichardJones-oq3fg]

Simply supply Babushkas with laptops and WiFi with VPN.

[@LMB222]

They will sell them on eBay ;)

[@filmawayvlad]

Sad overall. Ivan’s sister’s story. Excruciatingly.

[@yallarecrazy5838]

Great piece

[@tommaples9174]

Scary !

[@randysanders777]

It's governments that are bad, not "we the people" ! Jesus be with us all!🙏🏻

[@andyreznick]

Outstanding.

[@annikakim9510]

Країна німих, країна боягузів.

[@firstlast8258]

Stupid is as stupid does

[@DogonChild]

Powerful

[@Javy_Valen_Tain]

Senseless war!

[@123pangolin]

Tragic.

[@pablobulldog]

You make the most beautiful, sad, and important videos.

[@gautruc]

Another Jame Bond Film in real life from BBC. I love it.

[@gangwu4541]

“How crazy would I need to be?”

[@kindnuguz]

You brave men and women in Russia that oppose this regime will be the ones that lead Russia in the future. It's up to you all to change this vicious cycle. Please for the love of god, have the power and strength to over come this regime. From US, thank you

[@Deciple]

Amen, from germany 🙏

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

Angry young people want a better future for themselves and their families. People from every generation desires this elusive concept.

[@lac8356]

Sad to die for an unhinged dictator. What a waste of a young life

[@Yanina6767]

Горе и ад! Ни конца ни края! Господи, за что?!

[@valentinDS96]

This is way too short.

[@mr.sayemsirmr.sayemsir9302]

Very nice.

[@jhayrjy8277]

The whole nation of Russia is a prison..

[@paco3385]

times are changing : Gestapo is now FSB and Hitler is now Putin

[@SpannerAT34]

more!

[@skyleeramsey2727]

So sad that she lost her brother and him a son I will be praying for you

[@LR-jk2jk]

What a horrific country. One big prison for 140 million people.

[@69kiwijon]

Come on BBC, it was just starting to look really interesting and then just stops, this is definitely a story that needs to be told in full, so I will be waiting it's good to see some Russian aren't scared of promoting truth

[@bogtrottername7001]

It's not a movie -- stay tuned -- it's happening right now!!!

[@12time12]

Which VDV unit was in Mariupol?

[@anastasiaserwaczek204]

Stupid war. Stupid regime. Stupid how propaganda messes with people's minds.

[@tinfoiltwinsz]

Whats the point of this doc? I dont get it.

[@rachelmichaels2108]

Odd ending. Good piece tho.

[@Tu-Vi-Dau-So]

good movie, BBC!

[@fawn06]

Huh? Wearing blue jeans and holding a yellow umbrella can get you arrested? 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@linaLina-vg6cz]

You call people heroes but you pay them for their work.....that's just their work. I can't see a heroism.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

huh? they let the BBC film a funeral of a russian soldier who died in the second week of the war? how did that happen???

[@geekworthy7938]

That's it? That's like the intro to a film! wasn't even a middle or end!