Join "The Daily" as Sabrina Tavernise and Valerie Hopkins take you through the courageous journey of Alessia Krivtsova, a Russian student who transcended her non-activist past to become a vocal critic of the war in Ukraine. In an atmosphere where dissent is met with a swift and severe crackdown, Krivtsova's struggle against censorship and the draconian measures aimed at silencing her resonate with the broader repercussions of saying 'no' to war in Russia.
This episode not only trails the harrowing consequences that befall a young dissenter but also sheds light on the subversive networks that aid in such acts of defiance. From the dangers of criticising the government to the ultimate escape to a safe haven, this intimate depiction unravels the sacrifice and resilience demanded from those who dare to challenge the orthodoxy in a land where freedom of expression hangs by a thread. Learn how one student's quest for peace led her to abandon her homeland and embrace an uncertain future as a journalist in Norway, still haunted by separation but empowered by a relentless pursuit of truth.
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
Alessia Krivtsova, a 19-year-old student, emerges as a symbol of opposition during the Ukraine conflict. Though never an activist by intention, Krivtsova feels compelled to express her discontent with the events unfolding.
Krivtsova produces and distributes leaflets on Russia's Victory Day, pointing out the contradiction of celebrating peace while perpetuating war. The leaflets call attention to the suffering of World War II veterans in Ukraine and demand an end to the conflict.
Following her protest, Russian authorities track down Krivtsova, extract a filmed apology, fine her, and threaten her with criminal charges if she continues her dissent.
Undeterred, Krivtsova intermittently posts anti-war sentiments on her private Instagram account. However, after she shares her thoughts on the bombing of a bridge linking Russia to Crimea, her classmates report her to the state.
Due to her online activity, she faces grave accusations of justifying terrorism and slandering the military. The seriousness of the situation threatens to significantly impact her freedom and future.
To elude the repercussions of her actions, Krivtsova utilizes an underground activist network to flee to Vilnius, Lithuania. She disguises herself in a large, inconspicuous men's coat to escape detection.
Finally safe, Krivtsova settles in Kirkenes, Norway, continuing her education and embarking on a career as a journalist, covering Russian politics and political prisoners. Although she struggles with the distance from her loved ones and homeland, she finds comfort in the proximity to Russia. She also anticipates the relocation of her mother to Norway, hopeful for a new chapter of security and freedom.
1-Page Summary
Alessia Krivtsova, a 19-year-old university student studying advertising and public relations, becomes an unlikely voice of dissent amidst the conflict in Ukraine. Initially not considering herself an activist, circumstances compel her to take a stand.
Driven by her frustration with the irony of celebrating peace while witnessing the ravages of war in Ukraine, Alessia and her friends produce leaflets on Victory Day. These leaflets highlight that World War II veterans are among those suffering due to shelling in Ukraine, and demand an end to the war. They then distribute these leaflets across the city.
The day following the leaflet distribution, representatives from the Russian Center for Combating Extremism locate Alessia by tracking her car's license plate. They coerce her into making a filmed apology to the Russian armed forces, issue a fine, and sternly caution her that any repeat of such actions could result in a criminal trial and imprisonment.
Despite the intimidation, Alessia sporadically voices her anti-war stance on her private Instagram account, which feels like a relatively secure space for expression.
After Alessia posts her reaction to the bombing of a bridge connecting Russia with Crimea, understanding Ukrainians’ jubilation over the incident, a group of her classmates who had been scrutinizing her Instagram posts report her to the authorities.
On the heels of her social media activities, Alessia confronts official allegations, accused of justifying terrorism and discrediting the Russian military. These charges hold serious ramifications that could severely alter her freedom and future.
Determined to avoid the harsh consequences of her outspokenness, Alessia leverages a ...
A Russian student, Alessia Krivtsova, speaks out against the war
...
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser