
(Prints size 115x80 cm)
The situation in the city is mostly unchanged. Everyone is minding their own business: despite the blockade, entrepreneurs miraculously get goods from somewhere, public utilities and doctors at their workplaces, and the Russian military time to time break into the houses of the territorial defense fighters or kidnap representatives of local authorities. In some areas they are trying to introduce Russian rubles, sometimes they are taking away phones and cars by force. In the villages they come to visit literally every house. Perhaps they are looking for their tanks and #demilitarize tractors. But it seems more likely to me that they are spreading free humanitarian #Z-fear to the residents. They simply have no other way to impose the “People's Republic” on the people of Kherson. This is not to say that they do not succeed. I have been watching the Z-humanitarian aid dissolving quickly for several days now. There are not only pensioners in the line. I saw scenes of toilet paper rolls snatched out from the hands, as if it were the last one in their lifetime. At the same time, grocery stores are open and they always have enough goods that can be paid by card. Many people have already switched to the primitive “reptilian” survival mode. Over time, of course, they may feel shame, but there will always be excuses.
Living in the occupied territory gives one dubious advantage - you can have close contact with the Russian military. It seems that most Russians do not have such an opportunity. In their voices, faces and words, same as citizens, the similar fatigue from what is happening and understanding of the senselessness of this war are felt. Under the helmets, no doubt, there are heads with eyes that see and understand that there are no Nazis, “liberation”, victory parade and medals. Perhaps they are the most hopeful of peace negotiations.
But every day, thousands of miles away, sofa troops get into their concrete tanks and turn their programmers on. They demand the reality they want to see, and the little green men must get it for them.. The storyteller has already said his word: acceptable losses are 30 or even 50 thousands killed, military vehicles must be saved, and the goal justifies the means. At the stake is a ruthless and inexorable history book that already sums up his reign.
Living in the occupied territory gives one dubious advantage - you can have close contact with the Russian military. It seems that most Russians do not have such an opportunity. In their voices, faces and words, same as citizens, the similar fatigue from what is happening and understanding of the senselessness of this war are felt. Under the helmets, no doubt, there are heads with eyes that see and understand that there are no Nazis, “liberation”, victory parade and medals. Perhaps they are the most hopeful of peace negotiations.
But every day, thousands of miles away, sofa troops get into their concrete tanks and turn their programmers on. They demand the reality they want to see, and the little green men must get it for them.. The storyteller has already said his word: acceptable losses are 30 or even 50 thousands killed, military vehicles must be saved, and the goal justifies the means. At the stake is a ruthless and inexorable history book that already sums up his reign.
“The Captured House” exhibition at Alte Münze, Berlin, Germany