What Russia did not become. Vilnius and Lithuania in 2023. Impressions after a year of living

The Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) are post-Soviet republics that have succeeded in implementing democratic and economic reforms. However, they still have a lot in common with Russia - from certain cultural peculiarities to Soviet infrastructure. I've been living in Vilnius for over a year and would like to tell you about how I saw this city and Lithuania as a whole. For me, it's a story about what Russia theoretically could have been if it had made a firm choice in favor of democracy. Whether such a choice was possible at all is an open question. But I am convinced that we should treat Lithuania and other Baltic countries with attention and respect, study their experience, which may someday be useful for Russia.
To make this conversation more interesting, let's combine it with a walk around Vilnius, explore different neighborhoods, talk to locals about politics and life, visit the LGBT Pride, and try three memorable Lithuanian dishes.
00:00 Welcome to Vilnius. Old town
01:53 Lazdynai. The most "Soviet" district of Vilnius
04:10 Vilnius TV Tower
05:51 January 1991 events in Vilnius
06:53 Soviet regime in Lithuania. Museum of Occupation
11:00 How Lithuania joined NATO and the EU. Presidential Palace
12:06 Šaltibarščiai
12:55 Gediminas' Tower. How Vilnius changed hands
13:46 How Lithuania supports Ukraine and what passersby think about it?
20:36 How Lithuania helps the Russian opposition. Užupis
22:00 Cepelinai
22:34 Meeting in the park. Hustler. Tutējī
25:00 Modern neighborhoods of Vilnius. How Lithuania surpassed Russia in the economy
26:55 LGBT+ in Lithuania. Pride
28:20 Conservative Lithuania. Catholics. Žolinės
30:16 Non-parade districts of Vilnius. Downsides of Lithuania
31:50 Why did Lithuania succeed and Russia did not? Conversation with Andrius Kubilius
36:03 Evening in the center of Vilnius. Vilniaus. Searching for šakotis
38:20 In conclusion? Thoughts on Vilnius, Lithuania, and Russia.