Solo Along The Ukrainian-Russian Border ( One Day Before Invasion )

🇺🇦Who could have predicted the horrors which were about to befall on Ukraine. I went there like so many others thinking an agreement would be reached at the last moment. Alas...

[@Isimud]

2 days ago after the war broke out I read in an article on German media about Kharkiv that the reporters met an "English tourist" on the otherwise deserted streets of the town. This seemed very strange to me at the time, asking myself who might be so insane to visit Kharkiv on the brink of war. But now its clear: this man must have been Bald on his mission - what a legend!

[@shanewalsh5877]

Könnte gut sein 😁

[@catcherry.x6702]

@@shanewalsh5877 no one else xD

[@faye_isc]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@milancerovsky4568]

Bald is in kyiv with johny fd.

[@aruhtaz]

do you have a link to the german media article? cool indeed!

[@ukpolska5335]

Yesterday my wife and I saw one of the most distressing scenes that we have ever seen. We live in Poland, and two of our friends, L and S, made it to the border with their three children. L knew that he wouldn't be allowed to go through the border and he kept it from his wife as otherwise, she wouldn't go, so he simply didn't tell her. It was only when he got to the border and filled in forms that he told her that he had to return and fight as he wouldn't be allowed through being 36. He is one of the most bravest men that I have ever met in my life and my heart is bleeding with pain for my dear friend. Now S and the children are with us here in Poland, but she is broken, we are all broken. I have tears in my eyes right now writing this as this shouldn't be happening to fellow Slavic people fighting against each other. Fuck Putin, fuck the war and fuck hate...

[@jillp1840]

That is heartbreaking. I truly hope Leon and Sophia will soon be reunited, but in the meantime Leon knows his family is safe with you, and your kindness will mean everything to him.

[@andyh6849]

jesus, my heart breaks and at the same time, the anger I feel is palpable.. wish you all the very best

[@moisesperez4605]

Hey man I get chills, down my spine hearing your comment, and tears are running down my face, as I read your comment. I totally agree with you.

[@Cribbles]

All strength to you your friends and the Ukrainian people.

[@AwesomeDiz]

As a russian myself, I can assure you that nobody supports whats going on right now. This is devastating and the population now is heart-broken. Nobody wants this. Stay brave and stay strong.

[@GZBro]

He made history there. Absolutley insane that he was there just a day before the invasion started.

[@pierre-andreguilleuxdephil2517]

Freeing...

[@DerRusher]

@@pierre-andreguilleuxdephil2517 hahahahahahah! show me one russian right now who is „free“… they are all prisoners.

[@unixtohack]

@@DerRusher Even in the west, we are all prisoners.. of the money related world who is killing our lives. Sad for all of us...

[@Adam_Alarabi]

8:30 "I can't imagine myself without Ukraine, it would be like changing my mother" What a great words, RESPECT, and I wish you are safe now

[@pancake6685]

In the west its possible to change mother. They have transformers over here. Also family values are gone.

[@akopowerletsplay3884]

watch also my videos,,,,,

[@TheHowlingEye]

@@pancake6685 statistically gay families are more stable and happier in the long term (also lower divorce rate) so do you do

[@douglasbubbletrousers4763]

@@TheHowlingEye “Gay couples make better families than straight couples because they said so on our questionnaire 🤤” What an absolutely meaningless statistic.

[@TimKyoutube]

You are once again at the center of history, and I love you for it.

[@Z4kYb0I]

Just by chance?

[@esh1771]

@@Z4kYb0I No! No way it's a coincidence. He's the ghost of Kyiv

[@pomonatennisqld1144]

@@Z4kYb0I As if! MI9 need this fella.

[@sutton513]

@@pomonatennisqld1144 plot twist - he IS a UK spy who is hiding in plain sight as a KZbin vlogger - haha.

[@spacecase7504]

@@sutton513 This man is heavily protected, I wouldn't doubt it.

[@TheItalianoAssassino]

This man is out here treating the world like an open world RPG interacting with every character and I respect you for it 😎

[@christiangaxiola5323]

Technically life is an RPG but I get what u mean lmao my man is out there doing side quests

[@razvancosmin8188]

@@christiangaxiola5323 🤣

[@davidcorrales149]

Elden ring in real life

[@EntryLevelLuxury]

@@christiangaxiola5323 If you could make an app that turned everyday shit into an RPG stat system, you'd be a very wealthy man XD

[@fuzzyqueeko]

He's going for 100% completion

[@sabatheus]

"pfffffft! There won't be any war!" That didn't age well. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. I just sent a donation to a Polish NGO who is helping the Ukrainian refugees. Take good care, folks. Help is on the way.

[@pearlbones4]

you are a kind person! thank you from a Ukrainian for your donation, you saved lives!

[@sunbeam5605]

George Soros says thank you for your donation!

[@BGdubs92b17]

@@sunbeam5605 🤦‍♂️

[@MrKasugano]

@@BGdubs92b17 You really think its is true dont you ? Maybe research some news about the subject first.

[@jpenna1976]

Clearly Americans had intel it will happen. They were very open about it. It is said that invasion was approved 18th of January. Still, most people thought such couldn't happen in modern Europe.

[@goldinho]

6:30 the pain behind that smile that man was worried, i hope he's okay. God bless Ukraine.

[@jaboozie9685]

You can see the pain in his face when you asked him about what he would do if a war broke out. Hope he’s safe

[@lesliemiller7826]

I pray that he and all the many other Ukrainian people remain safe 🙏 🙌 It's so many people that don't have to say a word it shows all over their face 💔It breaks my heart to see the little children looking at dad and mom for safety and protection and the parents have to continue faking and not breaking down so the children will remain calm in this difficult time 🙏 Blessings of peace and love for Ukraine 💙💛

[@gregdragon369]

Same thing I was thinking. Very emotional. I hope the best for him and all Ukraine😭❤️

[@Theporkchopsandwhich]

Depends on what type of war means hes either to leave or fight i would guess

[@Fragrantbeard]

I thought so too. I wondered if he was choking down that big swelling in the chest and the tears that seem to come from very deep.

[@SoCloseToToast]

This guy has crazy timing to be a vlogger

[@Jumping_fatty]

You’ve obliviously never met bald

[@SensitivityGames]

well he wanted the full soviet experiance. so witnessing his glorious soviet speec and this would be somthing off his bucket list he did not expected lmao

[@Despotic_Waffle]

He's always made content in Eastern Europe and russia

[@tinflowers]

@@JohnSmith-ul7xn hoods is fine

[@Srobvio85]

@@musicalspace6885 if he comes to argentina with a hand held phone stabilizer, he will be robbed, 100%. Bs As is the most dangerous place for a tourist. Not so much, relatively, to locals.

[@thischannel4326]

Like the saying goes: "It's always quiet before a storm".

[@replyhazy]

when the lady in red said “i can’t imagine myself without Ukraine” 🇺🇦🥺

[@lastlyfirstofall2833]

Oh my goodness, that broke my heart. Slava Ukraini!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@thomascambrion4408]

@@lastlyfirstofall2833 героям слава

[@TJMack-]

"be grateful for what you've got." Never a truer word spoken. Stay safe, mate. 🇺🇦

[@anthonywilliams9090]

I felt that too! Strong message

[@gudadada]

Exactly how I feel. It sickens me how much hate there is involving this, especially towards Russian citizens. They do not have our Western rights to fight back against the government.

[@garyhay695]

@@gudadada But they can and should protest to stop Putin, if not the world faces a much worse end and thats for all, it is a disgrace that countries are not doing more, the longer this goes on the more Russia and China will take, expect an attack on Taiwan next

[@greenlime1997]

@@gudadada lol oh so just because they don’t have the rights given in a free democracy that gives Russians an excuse not to do anything as their government violently assaults a peaceful neighbor? What kind of twisted logic is that? Ukrainians are dying, they’re fleeing because of what Putin has unleashed on them. My sympathy for Russians at this moment is non-existent. They propped up Putin for years, they enabled him, up until last year he was quite popular with the Russian people even though he has always been a dangerous narcissistic, aggressor. If Russia wants to earn my respect, they should summon the courage to overthrow Putin. Stop trying to make excuses for them….

[@Machismo406]

Donald trump was a great leader dumb joe biden done the big mess here i support trump from india if trump was usa president now it will never happened sleepy joe is a coward man

[@isthispodracingg]

Man the silence after you asked “what will you do if there’s a war” to that cab driver hit me. The man obviously had some things on his mind and thought about that question before

[@jettnash5217]

Legit. Hope he's safe and everything has worked out for him :(

[@maxim8585]

Sad indeed, freaking politicians

[@Dave7heRave]

It leaves us wondering if he's out there fighting right now or if he is even with us still. Did he make it to safety...

[@MrMoogle]

Yeah man, that hit me hard.

[@6ohTreez]

That definitely broke my heart, that silenced conveyed so much

[@Goblexter]

Unbelievable. To think that less than 12 hours after him being there at the border I was awake in the early hours of the morning looking at the huge traffic jams being reported on Google Maps at that exact same spot, extending in both directions of the border, while realizing that these are coming from the phones of russian soldiers in a motorized column. What a dark fucking day.

[@amphibeingmcshpongletron5026]

"I can't imagine myself without Ukraine." That really hit me. I hope that woman is safe and that there will continue to be a Ukraine for her to live in peace once the fighting stops.

[@benpetrone5]

Agreed. I would love to have an update from her after peace.

[@european-one]

She's probably ok, that's right at the border with the eu. The dude at the end of the video would have been in the middle of it within minutes of the first troops moving. Kharkov has been getting smashed by missiles and artillery every day.. I don't like to think what it looks like now..

[@OurThirdPlanet]

Love to Ukraine is not only her passion, but a job too. If you watched this properly, she is an activist and was there to pose as a background for american news report

[@arminglibic880]

Was waiting for this one, stay safe everyone out there.

[@juliusnepos6013]

Yeah

[@spankthemonkey3437]

Im waiting for the one where bald is dancing on top of burned out Russian tank holding ak-47

[@dhjdjdhfhdbnd3851]

Thanks from Ukraine

[@guilgemish]

As was I waiting for this.

[@KotiCoMat]

Me too, outstanding!

[@aviewer9668]

It’s interesting to see people saying he’s “exploiting the conflict for content” all the while they stayed outside of Ukraines borders and watched the video. Like it or not this stuff needs to be documented, and if you aren’t ballsy enough to enter a warzone and take out a camera then just watch it and appreciate that you didn’t have to go and do it.

[@youknowwhoiam4432]

Well spoken man

[@User-di2od]

21 y.o. Ukrainian here, I hate the situation we're all in right now. So many young people are going to die because of greed and corruption of old and out of touch people in power. I truly hope that this madness would stop before its too late. Edit: Thanks for the kind words. Hopefully all opressed people would see through lies and propaganda the media are spreading and see the consequences of one's actions

[@rti512]

From 2014 you don't listen about dombas what your army Dou there? You vote a comedian puppet of Europe end USA so what you expect what will happen iven now he refuses too talk too end that

[@poopypain1641]

Stay safe over there!

[@Ligmaments]

@@rti512 Why is daddy putin invading all of Ukraine and not just the Dombass though?

[@chiwanau]

Not just old ppl. Your peers just aren't old enough to be in a position of power. There must be putin supporters in your age group. Must always vigilant to keep theses ppl out of power.

[@justinbarnhouse4940]

@@rti512 when you don’t have a free press, as with Rissia, the only information you get is state propaganda.

[@internetpig5354]

"there won't be any kind of war" Poor, poor woman :( breaks my heart.

[@petepeter1857]

My best friend here in the US is Ukrainian, with family and friends in Ukraine and Kyiv...she didn't think so either, 2 days before SHTF

[@AlLuiPigus]

@Thomas Hobbs-Allen he did not surprise everyone. The Americans had intel that it will happen. They've shared it with everyone but no one believed

[@nikabakashvili1432]

i hope thay lady is ok

[@ShadowMace89]

@Thomas Hobbs-Allen I wasn't suprised.. it was Putins only option really

[@ShadowMace89]

@Thomas Hobbs-Allen I wasn't suprised.. it was Putins only option really

[@denisrutkovsky8390]

11:12 It also was the last day when somebody asked vaccination in Ukraine, I can confirm that

[@etiennebonanno]

As soon as I heard about the invasion I was, like "I'm sure Bald went there to see for himself", and you did! I hope you're safe, dude.

[@albertlol8488]

@Anti Vacine ok dude

[@ingislakur]

Me too lol

[@musicalspace6885]

Yeah exactly same thoughts. I knew he was somewhere in Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@braadress]

My thought exactly. Great reporting!

[@geoeconomics5629]

USA planned this war in Ukraina in 1997 The Grand Chess Board Zbignew Brzezinski Published 1997 page 76 77

[@JandCCards]

Man, this right here is the type of stuff that separates Bald from other travel vloggers. It's the risks, it's the true homogenization of himself into these cultures and families. Was looking forward to this one. Thanks for all you do Bald. Stay safe.

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

I know. He never disappoints!

[@jaipoh3965]

True

[@urashimatarou9575]

Of course he'll be safe, he's vaccinated! Well, worry about the choice of footwear, though. Seriously, Bald - appreciate the content, try and come out of this upright and with no missing pieces.

[@Hilariusgamer]

@@urashimatarou9575 Sad that there will be less of amazing Bald videos from Russia thanks to Putin

[@1598hi]

@@urashimatarou9575 Is he? Going off what I have seen in a few of his videos it seems a bit trumpy. So I wasn't sure what his vax status was.

[@BananaBanana-gw8yc]

Watching this today April 2024 and wondering if those people he met on that little village still alive? Are their homes still standing? My heart goes go everyone of them.

[@theonetruephil]

The car driver was really trying to hold it together.... I hope all in this video are staying strong and safe!

[@sugarskulllyfe5890]

yea his story sticks out the most to me. hopefully he stays safe

[@vipr1142]

Dont overdramatize it

[@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96]

OMG YOU PUT A FLAG OF UKRAINE IN YOUR PFP WOW YOU'RE HELPING SO MUCH, SO VIRTUOUS

[@oneshiningstar281]

So heartbreaking watching how positive these people were that there wasn’t going to be a war 😢 My prayers are for Ukraine and it’s lovely people right now 🙏🏻🇺🇦

[@SunIsLost]

Yes 😭😭😭

[@user-bq8id1qv1q]

there was a war for 8 years in donbass, its just no1 cares and cared about those poor people

[@MrDavidknigge]

@@user-bq8id1qv1q No one in the west knows. The narrative always "Russia evil." But I don't want Russians to die. I don't want Ukrainians to die. I pray for peace for all peoples.

[@topchiypaul]

Even now we are trying to keep good mood. We are joking and laughing, but then everyone read news and becoming sad

[@appleratpipe]

USA shill

[@lazarus2249]

That poor lady.. “scared of what??” “There will be no war”

[@leannewright9686]

I feel sad at the optimism of those people who were convinced there would be no war…. I hope they are all safe and stay safe

[@PnwOnTour]

They knew for months.

[@mickyjaguar2282]

@@PnwOnTour they never believed Russia would actually carry out their threat though. They have been threatening this for years.

[@keypawn3024]

It's not optimism, it's decades of Russian propaganda.

[@PnwOnTour]

Who drinks that? Clearly pretty fucking sad dude.

[@mickyjaguar2282]

@@keypawn3024 Putins mental health as well is a factor. Trying to predict his next move requires a psycho analyst, not a military analyst.

[@danjamesrunning7636]

Stay Safe Ben, you've connected us with the people of these countries like Ukraine 🇺🇦 it's shown more than the news ever could about the poor people who will be affected!

[@SunIsLost]

yea

[@jovanmalic9259]

I learned more about Russians than Ukrainians, watching him.

[@chrisg1234fly]

When I heard of the problems I came to Bald first for my info on these places. Thx Bald!

[@SunIsLost]

@@chrisg1234fly Yes

[@eily_b]

They are not poor, they are just ordinary people like us all.

[@user-zw6jk1ip8w]

As soon as i heard Russian troops reclaimed cherynoble I immediately thought of you and the sweet old man and the babushka and pray they are safe

[@bitofromance]

I did too.

[@maynk7096]

I think his name was Kolya. I hope he's fine.

[@gorebrush]

@@maynk7096 it indeed Kolya

[@eastindiantracks9860]

Kolya is Belarusian.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

They live in Belarus.

[@tramspoker]

I know this driver from Szegenii he is Andrej from Mostiska, very good person!!! ❤

[@vegassist]

When the video begins, we can see your skepticism, so as I watched, I thought "he's in for a surprise", but the fact that you even published, and will continue to do so is really cool and you should be applauded. You could have easily buried it and just showed us "look here I am in the war!" but you chose to take the proper angle which illustrates how insane and surprising this situation is. Be safe and please carry on, Bald!

[@JMD215]

1000% you kept it real, always keep it real

[@themainten4433]

@@webMonkey_ western media are telling lies don’t always believe what you read. The truth always is in the middle somewhere.

[@jennybento]

yeah, agreed, respect that you published. I think this focus on what people in the region believed over what government intelligence thinks is the issue. Both have to be considered, but of course propaganda and rumors affect both!

[@theterminaldave]

@@themainten4433 Not in this particular instance

[@RazPerignon]

the video says ( one day before invasion)

[@aadhithvarathan5432]

Just 1 day before invasion, Przemysl border was literally almost empty. Now to cross that same border there is a 20 km queue and it takes 5 days to cross the 20km into Poland. Very scary. Within hours situation can change 360 degrees.

[@OurAwesomeUniverse]

I'm watching this video 2 weeks later thinking about every person shown here. I hope they are okay right now!

[@jpiggott9523]

The dread on that man’s face when you asked him what would you do if a war began was so sad to see, it’s easy to watch this stuff through a screen and carry on with your day afterwards. A great shame it’s going on. Stay safe everyone :)

[@melfieffendi7700]

So sad to see that man.

[@FloofersFX]

I'm Eastern European, I know people in the regions from both sides, I haven't been able to go on with my days since the war went into such force... I've followed the happenings of 2014 when they fought for their freedoms. And really, the suffering hasn't stopped since then for some regions. No sane person expected this war to break out, but to be fair, the person who started it isn't sane either. I worry now too, but I know how resilient they are, they will fight back to the very last bit. Slava Ukraini!

[@melfieffendi7700]

I'm from indonesia. I always think about ukraine since invation began. My mind is always with ukraine people and hope y'all keep strong and the situation will better soon.

[@SunIsLost]

yea

[@9mmsafetyalwaysoff00]

@@FloofersFX what do ukrainians want from the outside world? Is it there wish that nato powers would help them? I'm genuinely curious. im not finding any information on skirmishes or anything.

[@wannabetravelers5493]

Crazy to see how everyone in the Ukraine didn’t expect what was to happen literally less than 24 hours later..

[@bobcockwood]

neither did the rest of the world

[@cpkarkow663]

I honestly didn't think it would happen either - I thought the US Admin was totally over-hyping this stuff - I was totally wrong too. I think many of us were as the woman said, we didn't want to believe it.

[@keksi6844]

Thats exactly how people in Bosnia spoke before war broke out in 1992.

[@Konkel529]

I am sure that the US prepared Ukraine and they were ready for was about to happen.

[@JoolsUK]

Look at the history of Putin, his belief system and desires. He is obsessed with Ukraine. It has not been obvious how he would do it, but one day he would move. Poisoning all perceived opponents including politicians, pushing against non-supporting Baltic states in Georgia, taking back Crimea, bombing Syria with Assad, shall I go on?

[@NoGodsNoMasters1885]

Genuine history this is.

[@Santororeserve]

Этот мужик все правильно говорит в видео. Удивительно что англичанин понимает всю ситуацию. Привет из Беларуси.

[@coolperson962]

Unbelievable content. Absolutely outstanding vlogging. It's as gritty and as realistic as you can get and really shows the real people that get caught up in international affairs.

[@danstone8783]

This Vlog should be up for some kind of award.

[@cowpie2915]

I found this incredibly poignant and harrowing to watch knowing how radically different each persons life will be just a week later from filming. I know the emotion I hold doesn't even come close to what the people of Ukraine are going through right now. My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine.

[@larrylopez9614]

Let's hope history don't repeat itself and the world goes to war over this situation.

[@nacho1595]

@@larrylopez9614 At least it seems Russia has no allies

[@SinAlameda]

@@larrylopez9614 a lightly armed (relatively) country is so far holding it's own against Russia. Take a guess how they'd do against the combined might of the US/UK/France/etc.

[@ellijaygal]

@@bosgaurus1 It is Russia by another name.

[@rebeccaspratling2865]

😩 Same.

[@grayspainhour3051]

That was one of the most intriguing videos I have watched lately. Thank you for sharing. Praying for Ukraine. Aloha!

[@jenniferfranklin9382]

This is significant historical archive material right here. What strikes me as so upsetting is how poor these people already are - their lives were already so hard. How could anyone inflict further hardship on these people who already battle so hard. God bless the people of Ukraine

[@LiamHunt]

I left Lviv, Ukraine, on February 1st, after the news broke of Western countries evacuating their embassies. I figured this wasn't a bluff. You can see my apartment at Rynok Square at 10:04 on the left-hand side. Gives me chills to see it now. At first I was regretting leaving, thinking that nothing was going to occur after all, then I felt relief and gratitude after hearing of the invasion and that I had the sense to seek safety, but now the survivor's guilt is setting in. I think of all the men I interacted with at the gym, smoking outside of bars, serving me at restaurants, or briefly encountered in the gypsy markets or in the streets. They're stuck there, without the privilege of leaving. Guys just like me. The women I met there have all left, except for the foreigners. I know a Kenyan and a Turkish woman, both in Lviv, who both got denied exit at the border after 24+ hour waits. There's some shady shit going on that's going unreported. There are non-Ukrainians being left stranded in the country. I contemplate going back every day to help. It's fascinating, the locals responded to me the same way they did Bald. They laughed in my face when I told them why I was leaving - not sure if that was a coping strategy, or if they really thought this all was unthinkable. Edit: am Canadian, not Ukrainian.

[@Frankyroflz]

don't have guilt my friend, you made a smart play

[@DavidRodriguez-ox1uu]

You are safe, that is what matters. Do not feel guilt for living friend.

[@imtiazkhan2122]

It's for each individual to live the best way she or he sees fit.

[@user-kv9nz4ny7v]

Не бойся, когда наши войска освободят Украину от нацистов, ты сможешь вернуться))

[@ls6720]

Why do you think the Kenyan and the Turkish woman were denied exit? Any theories? I can’t wrap my head around something like that. I am seeing a lot of people claim it’s just rumors that Black people (this is the first I’m reading about Turkish) have not been allowed to leave, but clearly that’s not entirely true… very upsetting

[@zdenis3]

“Be grateful for what you have got.” This goes deep. So much respect to you Sir!!

[@tyepriestlymrmad8277]

Literally read this comment as he said it

[@GinoG63]

Fucking right! So true and yet consistently ignored.

[@himanshusingh5214]

@@GinoG63 Always ignored after the first few times in childhood.

[@kukuhaplus]

Wołyń is a 2016 Polish war drama directed by Wojciech Smarzowski. The film is set in the 1939-1943 time frame and its central theme is Ukrainian anti-Polish hatred culminating in massacres of Poles in Volhynia.

[@th3gughy]

"be grateful for what you've got".. how easily we forget, how blind can we be. I'm ashamed of myself, but I'm glad you can bring these videos to us!!

[@LyRyCuZYTB]

it’s a bit grim how you asked those people if 🇺🇦 was still peaceful, answered “yes” then they woke up the next morning in a war… Poor people.

[@laris.official]

He was asking because he didn't believe it would happen. Same as them.

[@deadfishparty]

It’s unfortunate when many, understandably, didn’t believe it was possible. But when major countries intelligence says it’s imminent, I would tend to believe they don’t take things like this lightly.

[@115Carssssssssss]

me too lol

[@amillionworms]

Well... seems he was overconfident...

[@aaronchapman6994]

He isn't clairvoyant and definitely not a pessimist aswell how would he know they would be invaded the next day u fish lol

[@Jafes2011]

I'm Russian, I want to close my eyes and wake up on the 23rd of February when war wasn't a thing yet. I'm so heartbroken and so ashamed that this is happening, I cannot even express how hard it is. I've been reading all these facebook posts of people feeling the same way, some were calling their relatives who live in Ukraine inside the war zone, literally crying and saying something like: "Please forgive us, we didn't want this to happen, we didn't know". To the point that their Ukrainian relatives (the ones whose life is in danger) had to comfort them and say: "It's okay, it's not your fault, we know you're not our enemies, it's okay". I've always felt so patriotic about my country. There are so many things about Russia which are inspiring. Our thousand year old culture, our literature, beautiful people, our unique philosophy of life, our history, all those things that we achieved together as a nation. And now my Russia was downgraded to this pathetic role of world's boogeyman, and people in other country suffer because of us for no reason. While the braindead government tries to justify this with BS propaganda which becomes more and more surreal, and the worst thing is that many people believe it. They will eventually turn our country into nothing. And we will become nothing.

[@Felineblood]

I’m so sorry about all of this. We the people of all nations are at the hand of those in power. We have to watch them destroy nations, cultures and turn us against one another. I pray daily for good to prevail.

[@tracymw]

Sounds like it may be time for revolution in Russia.

[@Balnazzardi]

Not if Russians would just rise up by hundreds of thousand! Putin/Kremlim cant control hundreds of thousands ppl rising up all over Russia. They can contain hundreds or thousands ppl but not hundreds of thousands all at once

[@ScottishCoupleInSpain]

The working man and woman always pay the price.

[@flaviobaruffi1876]

I am sure that all people in the world know that many russian people feel as you. You are a good guy. Sorry for my bad English, good bye from Italy.

[@denzilmelroyquadros1749]

I just loved the last few words Benjamin spoke in the video " be grateful for what you have" are really heart-touching. So true, we normally take things for granted.

[@marzipan5000]

Absolutely chilling, the lady who said "what war?" Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine ❤️

[@Valkyri3Z]

so true..they never imagined even in their wildest dreams.

[@hikemartman7971]

It has only been going on for 8 years

[@mattwroe4776]

Ukrainian: What war..... Putin: This war!

[@wandameadows5736]

@marzipan5000 - The real problem is people in the West are not getting the entire story & they are trying to block out all news from the other side. If people in the West that are solidarity with Ukraine knew the truth they will feel so betrayed.

[@Valkyri3Z]

@@wandameadows5736 I dont think so. After Putin's speech its quite clear whats going on.

[@pavlofromukraine]

Hi Ben! I’m Ukrainian and I wanna say you thank you so much for showing the realities of our life in Ukraine these days, this is insane and horrible that we are currently have war, we could never imagine this, but now it is our reality. I believe that we will resist and defend our county from all enemies that coming, it’s our home, its our land, its our people and truth with us. I wish you to stay safe and will be glad to see you again.

[@KrutoiPersonazh]

Я не люблю Путина и его хозяев, и считаю что Россия это Украина, только в больших масштабах. Но не заметить, что ваши власти ведут себя как оккупанты, невозможно - техника в жилых массивах, раздача оружия кому попало (хаос для всех), выаускают из тюрьмы уголовников (хаос для всех). Телевидение ваше какой-то херней занимается вместо того чтобы помогать и т.д.

[@hotindianuncle]

you could "never imagine this"? ...after 8 years of "Azov Battalion" shelling innocent people and killing children in Donbas?? you could "never imagine this"? This was fucking inevitable.

[@LucasGibbo]

Stay safe my friend!

[@denianone2591]

@@hotindianuncle lol, who'd buy this shit after all this pigssian fakes...

[@AdriaNova3742]

I am from Romania, you are my neighbour and my brother! You are all welcome to our country

[@juliancrentz4485]

Ben this video was in so many way a masterpiece. Just absolutely great work

[@maxjacobs1759]

It is only about one and a half year later that I am starting to realize that this is some historical footage about the situation and sentiments of Ukrainian and Russian citizens before the war.

[@shroomed999]

The simple fact that so many of us just want to go back in time to this day… before we knew what horrors and terrors would unfold in Ukraine. Keep up with the content!! I’m loving every video

[@danielohyeah]

the question at 6:25 really made that mans future flash before his eyes..the silence was deafening. Hope he and his family are well.

[@aguysaid5457]

Puts things into perspective

[@stevevex7765]

He was smiling but you could tell he was scared as hell. Prayers to him & everybody affected by this atrocity.

[@dave2158]

He is not allowed to say what he wants on film because he does not live in a real democracy. No 1st and 2nd Amendments. Glad Putin isn't sending rocket launchers to the mexican cartel. What do you think our Jewish govt media would say if Putin was doing that?

[@alfredoangel2359]

@@dave2158 why the hell would he do that?

[@HAPPYFUNTIMEx2]

@@dave2158 What the fuck are you on about? I swear Putin shills are a dumb breed.

[@Ape_PONR]

Crazy because I was just thinking about you during this whole ordeal, and I know I’m not the only one! Stay safe man.

[@Ape_PONR]

@@Elatenl I don’t have instagram

[@KAREN-OAKES]

i was thinking about him to and if he's SAFE !!!!

[@juliusnepos6013]

Me too

[@MrSupernova111]

Same

[@anthonycolbourne4206]

I've been watching his videos for a year at least when they come out, it's so different and he's always finding unexpected little things to show and explain. Now thinking of so many places he's visited, shown us around and what they are going through these last few days is hard to comprehend.

[@dallbauossenn6325]

So many Russian, Ukrainian soldiers and civilians slaughtered and blown to pieces since this video got released. The calm before the storm...

[@8gomerpyle22]

Bald should win an award for this video alone.

[@imopen2]

This footage is so important. You captured a huge moment in European history

[@ScottRPriester]

Benjamin, you are the first person I thought of when this all started. I have learned so much about Russia, the Ukraine, and all the republics from you. I pray for you and all Ukrainians.

[@catlady4799]

Me too.

[@FrankCaron]

10000000%. I have vigorously referred folks to this channel precisely because of how well told the stories and histories of this part of the world have been, and likewise, this channel was immediately in my mind when the news broke. Please keep doing what you're doing: it unlocks the perspective many of us in the west need of this area, its people, and its nuances.

[@ScottRPriester]

Ben is one of the most intelligent, captivating people I've never met, although I feel like I do know him. And he has great taste in women!

[@jamesboth3785]

Me three

[@willfarnsworth2202]

I’m at a loss for words. I’ve learned so much about Eastern Europe and the former USSR through your videos and now have such a deep appreciation for the place and what you’re doing. But this. THIS. Is possibly the most important video you’ve ever made or will ever make. May angels protect you and the people of Ukraine.

[@ufos22]

"angels?"

[@mozdickson]

Good comment. Accurate.

[@drivenserb7152]

Well said. This is the kind of stuff you don’t learn in school. Benjamin does an incredible job explaining things and showing people Europe’s history.

[@georgethebugeater7950]

@@ufos22 there’s always one. No one care about your opinion on religion genius atheist. Wow your so much more intelligent than the rest of us!!! GEE WIZ! 🤡

[@SANDYFRECKLE]

@@georgethebugeater7950 mate he’s bang on. No such thing as angels, the only thing that’s going to protect them is weapons. Good luck protecting yourself from the Russians with “angels”.

[@michaelsamuel9917]

Wow that Lady was spot on about the state of the Ukrainian Armed Forces!! this is the second time I've watched this video very eye opening.

[@damianr98]

Lady: “What kind of war, there will be no war”. 4 months later…….☹️

[@mattstiles1232]

You can tell that first driver is anxious about the war. This does such a good job of humanizing these people, I hope all of they all stay safe

[@SunIsLost]

Yea

[@MrDavidknigge]

It has been dangerous in East Ukraine for 8 years of bombardment from Kyev.

[@imadequate3376]

The woman at 4:00 "no! There will be no war". Just the shock in her response, this impossibility in her mind it wouldn't happen really got to me to be honest. I feel for her and her loved ones.

[@SwErTiN777]

I love the train conductor asking if he has been vaccinated when a war is about to break out

[@fuduzan5562]

@@SwErTiN777 Would you rather suffer through a war with an active COVID-19 infection or without one? I can understand the bus driver not wanting to risk COVID

[@goopermad]

I'm from Donetsk and I did not believe until the last that Putin would invade

[@imadequate3376]

@@fuduzan5562 "Scam-Demic"

[@ronnieroo227]

I wonder if she thought, how did that English man know about the war before the Ukraine did?

[@CurtisEFlush-sj7sn]

"be grateful for what you got" considering this video, it hit home this morning, we truly are blessed with what we have even if our society is falling apart here in the states.

[@specialk5296]

“Be grateful for what you’ve got”. So very true. The western world takes for granted its freedom and prosperity. Thank you,Ben for your courage and prospective. Be safe.

[@saint3085]

Western "freedom and prosperity" is built as a result of centuries of exploiting the poorest countrys in the world, as a South American I have to state that clear for you guys. What Europe and USA did to South America and Africa is not human, free or prosper.

[@funghoul9124]

Most Americans DO NOT take for granted our Freedoms which is why you see so much distrust and conflict between what our government has been doing and those that see this corruption.......there's some bad stuff coming sad as it is but it's almost like every other generation needs to learn the hard way how to recognize how insidious losing your freedom can be......they don't understand that people who crave power are insatiable.

[@oswig1768]

Freedom? 🤣 That’s a good joke. What did Orwell say, it goes something like “freedom is slavery”.

[@KLCII88]

@@oswig1768 yea, and ignorance is strength.

[@user-fc2xg5iz7y]

@@saint3085 Look in the mirror.

[@phann860]

You caught a moment in time before everything changed for the worse.

[@thomcowley7332]

I hope that last line resonates in every westerner’s head “Be grateful for what you’ve got”

[@lone8869]

Never more than now should we be grateful for what we have. I am truly grateful to be currently living in peace.

[@wetluv4]

Why do so many people think westerners have everything? And westerners are the only ones that should be thankful for their lives and what they have?

[@Renard380]

Ever wonder for how long you'll still have it? I do. Between coronavirus that almost killed friends of mine and now the shadow of a third world war rising from the east...

[@nashvillain171]

Just let it resonate in your own head. It's always the other person who is ungrateful for what they have.

[@Jayhammer76]

Unfortunately, that's the problem with many Westerners. They don't appreciate what they have because they have always had "it"

[@ScrotusXL]

I could not watch this when you first posted it. Now just a week on it’s even harder to comprehend what happened in this short period. Makes my heart very heavy after watching all your eastern adventures and wonder how many of these places you will be able to visit again. I’ve watched Johnny FD in Kyiv at the start of the war and travelling with you out of Ukraine. So glad you are both safe😞

[@joeljohn72]

Incredible log. I salute you Mr. Bald. You have created history in this vlog. You are the most unique KZbinr. Love the way u integrate with anyone you meet. It pains to see such a beautiful place to be destroyed. Prayers to Ukrainians.

[@eily_b]

Bald: "And if there is a war what will you do?" Taxi driver: "Well, that would depend on what kind of war it is." Wiser words were rarely spoken. 🙏😥

[@joe54t]

After this invasion started I was thinking, “Where is Bald & Bankrupt? He likes visiting former Soviet States. What does he think about this?” Turns out you’re right in the middle of it all. One of the best travel journalists/vloggers ever. Stay safe brother.

[@skate90039]

This episode is upsetting everyone seems so peaceful and calm and weren’t thinking anything was going to happen now I’m wondering if the people you communicated with are ok 😔

[@lozi911]

You’re right, most Russians are peaceful and pacifistic too. But now they die for a power hungry psychopath and his group of old men who lust for what they remember of the USSR and the power held by those who ran it.

[@ettan2007]

@@lozi911 The German people said the same thing too, that they didn't know, or that they weren't bad people. Something to think about when ignoring the injustice done to others, be it small or big.

[@throttlemasterdotcom3280]

Maybe because they don’t have access to western propaganda

[@jonathankobbe6073]

@@throttlemasterdotcom3280 nobody has because it doesnt exist. theres biases and things like that but no propaganda on any scale comparable to whats present in russia. its already insane to assume there could be such a thing as THE western propaganda, if you listen to media in different western countries it will obviously sound very different.

[@pietjemol3420]

@@jonathankobbe6073 Western propaganda exists. It's larger than the Pravda during Soviet times. They will never tell you of the US coup d'etat during Maidan or that Adam Schiff said straight away that the US is using Ukraine to fight them a proxy war with Russia. Poor Ukrainians, got caught in dirty games of people with too much power.

[@danielbarragan8992]

It really broke my heart seeing those ladies crossing the border thinking everything is fine, just a normal day in normal Ukraine... God protect the people of Ukraine! Slava!

[@TheMysterySch00l]

Broke my heart he took the shøt

[@Hero.Lone-Wolf]

God protect the people ... 'cos Zelensky certainly didn't ! ... all he had to do was to bend his knees to Putin ... but nope ... he was too egotistical and look what zelensky did t his country !!!

[@skelmz1]

@@averypiercy101 hmm , proof?

[@skelmz1]

@@averypiercy101 Interesting. I'll watch again with all that in mind.

[@EightOneGulf]

@@averypiercy101 the video of Putin signing the recognition of independence for Donetsk and Luhansk was released only a day before the invasion. If what you're saying is true he had to edit that in, which I don't think is true.

[@legendreal2966]

Absolute great pivotal timing of history Ben. Thank you for your travel.

[@bippy201]

Thank you for documenting this!

[@JoroGamingUSA]

I wish we still had boots on the ground journalism like our man here - no sensationalism, no story to sell, just interactions with real people and their surroundings

[@MattyEngland]

That hasn't happened ever. The government and the intelligence services have owned the media since day one.

[@markbobberson7535]

We do, and we’re watching it right here!

[@jeruharlem]

@@markbobberson7535 my thought too. We have Bald and Beautiful on the ground with no agenda but to meet people

[@dialon5609]

it feels kinda eerie, seeing all this people on the streets going about their daily life. And some of them didn´t even thought the war would happen. And the day after it did, kinda scary. i´m with you Ukraine, love from Sweden.

[@farhantarik8732]

Don't forget Palestine

[@role221]

Same this happened in Bosnia in 1992 before war

[@cknorris3644]

Because there isn't a war going on.

[@peterhaag9344]

@sandiegolivin Must be nice typing that from your cozy living room in California where there aren't any missiles hitting the buildings in your neighborhood.

[@guywholikesbreathing1263]

@@farhantarik8732 Or israel

[@ramoncorralessanchezdelagu9874]

This video will be used in history classes in the future. It has crazy historic value.

[@indorock]

Been watching your videos for years and they have always been top notch, but what you have captured here is some true history and very valuable piece of journalism....probably the most important video you have ever made. Well done. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@anest-uk]

Great piece of reporting, thank you for this! ✌

[@mynameismaxdowis]

I honestly can't think of a better KZbinr to get a feel for the situation than you, thank you!

[@MiddleEarthGirl75]

It's his care for the Ukrainian, Belarusian, and the Russian people, who are always the ones to suffer, as their governments scheme and threat and fight, that sets him apart. I'm forever grateful to him for bringing us their stories that we otherwise never would have heard.

[@NicoleMcGuey]

When you asked the taxi driver what he'd do if there was a war and he went quiet that just broke my heart 💔 I hope everybody remains safe out there ❤ Much much love from Canada ❤

[@sebastienlemay6120]

Exactly. His face just closed up. No one wants to have to deal with war. I'm really saddened about what's going on, feeling like I can't do much. (From a fellow Canadian.)

[@TehUltimateSnake]

You could feel him hurting inside :(

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

Yup this did not age well, you and Jonny are two geniuses to go to Ukraine right before the war broke out. Bravo!

[@Undeadwolfy_]

Which Jonny is this? I'd like to watch his vid too.

[@Biomirth]

Did age well.

[@MrWolfSnack]

@@Undeadwolfy_ Johnny FD

[@priteshs3357]

Little did he know he was shooting the most historic video of early 21st century

[@sandwich-breath]

“Be grateful for what you’ve got” is humbling and true. God bless the people in the region, no matter what side of the barbed wire they’re on.

[@overtflow]

Bald has some of the best content in the world

[@kriskraken3669]

@@Bryanseas vibe check

[@jonathanfreeman3892]

RSK bruthr

[@SwErTiN777]

War is about to break out..... Train conductor asks if he's been vaccinated? I mean priorities right?

[@StraightEdgeSieghart]

@@Bryanseas CPRF doesn't control Russia. Communism is dead in Russia in 1991. So how are they enforcing communism? Americans are a fool for believing that the Red Scare still exist.

[@jonathanfreeman3892]

@@StraightEdgeSieghart said the guy with Comrade in his name, lmfao

[@TopolskiOpinion]

I’ve been following you for years, but this is one of the most important videos in recent history on KZbin. Can’t thank you enough, and hopefully you are safe.

[@SangreGuerrero]

Avdiivka and Bakhmut, little did he know how important those two city’s would be. Great content !

[@mimimiao6921]

Thank you for giving us this kind of videos.

[@ramzy1285]

This will go down as one of your best videos. Documenting the energy of Ukraine before the invasion. It’s jolting to see how calm and stoic everyone is. It sends chills down my spine watching this happen real time in 2022. I’ll come back to this video for years to come as long as it stays on youtube. Well done Bald and thank you for highlighting the Ukrainian people. Stay safe.

[@Wg-zp6gq]

I kept viewing this like a normal video, seeing him interact with locals and visiting villages. Then every now and then I remembered what was about to happen. It dawned on me throughout watching just how quickly life can change. These videos are exceptional, thank you for this. I hope you and all the great Ukrainian people are staying strong 🇺🇦 Content like this is invaluable.

[@skeetinyoureye6484]

Hopefully he got to fly back home or something

[@marstacinchurski]

@@skeetinyoureye6484 I was just thinking this exact same thing. Happened to search up bald wondering where he was at the moment; well look at that. 😑😔

[@vvhitepower]

And what is it about to happen? Harsh Ukrainian resistance, that leads to a lot of deaths among the population? Maybe Volodimir Zelensky, who gives weapons to the entire city of Kiev, even to the hands of convicts and other criminals, where they shoot each other to death?

[@gbaysinger]

@@vvhitepower did you just manage to victim blame an invaded country?

[@Gfysimpletons]

@@vvhitepower so pooptin threatens the world with nukes….pound sand weirdo……

[@emilepellerin6064]

I been listening to and watching your program forever. I'm glad I did. Now with the war in Ukraine, I know the cities they are mentioning.. Thank to you for taking me there. Your the best

[@mannymarotta]

I met Bald in Lviv while he was filming this, it was awesome

[@Ryan-on5on]

Invaluable historical document right here! One thing I especially enjoy about all of Ben's videos are the casual conversations he has with the regular folks he runs into during his adventures. Their opinions and life stories reveal much more about the current social climate of their homeland than any travel guide or foreign/state media propaganda piece . I can't express how much I appreciate the ballsy risks you take to show the outside world the reality of life in these out of the way places, Ben!

[@dmarti47]

You’ve said it right! This type of documentary voyaging is the most accurate way to know a place without traveling to it.

[@andrewplant2047]

Yes, his other blogs are fantastic, they show Eastern European and former Soviet peoples as kind, thoughtful, respectful..... Tragedy for the whole region.

[@GeorgeMinetTravel]

It's absolutly incredible that you catch such a moment in time to film. Especially asking and talking to people. Your video will be one day in a Documentary.

[@sourstateofmind5944]

Unfortunately future days for documentaries are not guaranteed with an unhinged Putin threatening nuclear warfare on America and all of NATO.

[@novalone3211]

@@ckSport3000 ? What's your agenda? You should be commenting these things on major news networks not on his channel. You bot.

[@ookalar665]

@@ckSport3000 stfu, people dont have to donate to a cause just because you think they should, if he does great, if he doesn’t and keeps all the money for him self? Equally great.

[@robp9746]

Such a shame to see an old man sending young boys off to die for a meaningless war.

[@janbasterfield8200]

Watching this on the 4/3/22 and knowing what's been happening since this video was made is extremely sad and heartbreaking 😢💔 I can't get my head around how this could happen after all the various wars that the world has had you would think there would never be another and yet all it takes is one powerful bully to start the battle myy heart breaks for those who are suffering because of this 😔 Mr. Baldy thankyou your are one brave man praying you stay safe 💜

[@SteliosE92]

You can feel the shift in his mood as he was going near the border,and the whole feel of the area. You can even see it in his eyes that things are not OK

[@dannyboy8474]

Starts video with questioning view of US/Brit policy - maybe he's not MI6 after all

[@duaneoldfield]

@@dannyboy8474 or maybe he was mi6 and knows what the BS company line would be.

[@dannyboy8474]

@@duaneoldfield Yeaa... I still think he is.

[@ChequeWriter]

This guy drops a video like an anticipated album. Should add war correspondent to you list of qualifications. Well done!

[@theprogrammerrolandmc3039]

ukrane has been at war for the last 8 years nothing new

[@theprogrammerrolandmc3039]

@@ckSport3000 He is donating lots of money to prostitutes

[@Khloe_dancer_model]

@@ckSport3000 can you stop posting your comment EVERYWHERE??

[@spoods150]

@@ckSport3000 chill out bro, maybe he should donate to romanian red cross too we re helping ukraineans too

[@rjn1749]

@@ckSport3000 He fuckin will, and he talked about donating huge sums to people of Ukraine, Watch his "leaving Kyiv" video