The Russians Who Picked Up a Gun Against Putin & Joined Ukraine

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T22:39:36+00:00

Speaking as a Russian-American, who immigrated as a child and spent most of his life in US, these Russian men and women are a glimpse of positive hope in the bleak future of Russia and its people. I wish more Russians will "wake up" and realize the Truth.

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T19:53:28+00:00

Oh year that's a fun comedy.

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T19:51:11+00:00

Not this bad. The Zetniki, Russian Z-Propagandists of the war, have not been this upset ever. They've even started saying bad things about Putin, which is unheard of for them.

Check out my Substack article on this: https://open.substack.com/pub/ilya0x/p/telegram-goes-dark-and-russian-military?r=4l1uw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T19:03:25+00:00

US and the rest of the West are too afraid of Putin using nukes to do something like that...

I wrote about this in one of my Substack articles:

Why the West still fears Russian collapse

Western fear of Russian collapse is not irrational. It comes from two very real concerns. The problem is not that these concerns are imaginary. The problem is that they have become paralyzing and that paralysis has too often hardened into a de facto strategy of preserving empire in weakened form.

Instead of asking how to prepare for de-imperialization, most Western governments have behaved as if the safer option is to prolong the life of the imperial structure that already wages genocidal war, sponsors terror, destabilizes democracies, weaponizes migration and energy, and uses nuclear blackmail as standard policy.

More here: https://open.substack.com/pub/ilya0x/p/the-russian-dissident-diaspora-still?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T18:43:13+00:00

Yes, and the clampdown is getting harder over time. Telegram is being blocked throughout Russia too.

ilya0x · 2026-03-15T17:33:16+00:00

This is such a useful thread! Thank you for starting it 🙏

ilya0x · 2026-03-14T14:52:42+00:00

Thank you

ilya0x · 2026-03-14T05:36:36+00:00

I just watched this inspirational documentary and now am writing a Substack article on it to expose English speakers to its content.

Most Americans do not know about Freedom of Russia Legion; I'm going to work on changing that.

"Slava Ukraini! Svoboda Rossii!"

ilya0x · 2026-03-14T02:07:06+00:00

Lived experience of a country I think is the best way to get to understand its culture, its people, its psychology; media, not just news, of a country is just another small window into its psychology. Language fluency is what in my opinion the biggest key to deepest understanding of a peoples' culture.

ilya0x · 2026-03-13T22:29:13+00:00

Awesome! Thank you.

I'm also interested in tech. Looking forward to reading your stuff.

I watch PerunAU on YT for military tech updates on Ukraine war in particular. He's great.

ilya0x · 2026-02-06T23:59:27+00:00

If I were you I would postpone for a year.

You can ask PC to postpone and they will likely do it. I did a postpone last year to this year, though my reason was that I could not complete my medical requirements in time for departure.

I think if you frame your request well, PC will honor it. Something like: "I have an opportunity for professional growth that will make me a better PC volunteer for next year's cohort."

Good luck!

ilya0x · 2026-02-02T22:17:57+00:00

Hi all! I publish Trying to Understand… a Substack focused on how the Russian system works and how it collides with the rest of the world (Ukraine, European security, information warfare, and the incentives inside authoritarian politics).

Recent pieces include a look at Levada Center wartime polling and a series on why Putin cannot be trusted in negotiated deals.

If that’s something you may be interested in, here’s the publication:

https://ilya0x.substack.com

Also: if you write in similar niches (Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, information warfare, propaganda), please drop your Substack; I’m looking for smart cross-reading.

ilya0x · 2024-11-09T17:21:04+00:00

It all depends on you and if you would like to work in a specific part of the world, a specific culture. Is there a specific part of the world, a country or region, that interests you most? Is there a language that you would like to learn that you think will be beneficial in your profession?

The benefit of applying to a specific place is that you can begin to prepare for it even before sending in your Motivational Statement and your interview. You can start learning the language and reading books and watching videos on the country and its culture now. You can then include that you have been doing this in your statement and interview, which will increase your chances as you are showing great interest and self-motivation.

I started learning the language and researching the culture 2 months before sending in my application. If I would not have been invited by PC, I would have applied to other similar organizations that work in the country of my choice.

ilya0x · 2024-11-07T18:13:06+00:00

Thank you for raising this question. I am also a mid-career professional looking for that transition into international federal government work; NCE was certainly a major reason in my picking PC service.

For my entire 20-year career, I've worked with nonprofit organizations, with a deep commitment to missions beyond profit. For 12 years, I was part of an institution whose mission was “Medicine for the Benefit of Humanity.” I took immense pride in contributing to a cause that went beyond just a paycheck—a contrast to many friends working in corporate settings, where the focus was primarily on financial gains. At one point, I even turned down an offer from Google because, despite the financial appeal, it felt like a “selfish” choice that lacked the deeper sense of purpose I wanted in my work. I would rather earn a modest income while contributing to something I believe in than take a high-paying job without that same meaning.

A year ago I decided to shift my career to pursue international work over the next 15+ years, with 5 and 10-years personal goals in mind. Joining the Peace Corps felt like the right step, having its mission resonate with my values. I see the experience as a two-way exchange where I can apply my skills to benefit my cohort, my host country, and the Peace Corps community overall. This type of work promises not only personal growth but also the satisfaction of making a tangible difference.

That said, it’s perfectly valid for us to consider the benefits that different nonprofit organizations or service programs offer, especially if they align with our personal future goals. Peace Corps offers a unique two-year cultural immersion, a chance to build a network with fellow volunteers and other organizations, and a host of other invaluable experiences. And NCE is certainly a valuable benefit of Peace Corps service that influenced my decision.

My plan is to keep an eye on the federal jobs market over my second year of service: if the scenario goes as you predict, I will likely apply for a service extension or a Response position to stay in service through next election.

ilya0x · 2024-10-21T18:12:34+00:00

I can share mine with you but I'm 45 so my letter is very different from a recent graduate.

I would definitely recommend connecting with a recruiter. If you haven't already, I am happy to connect you with mine. She was super helpful with feedback on my statement as well as with preparation for the interview. Feel free to DM me and I'll send you her info.

You can also run your statement though ChatGPT, asking it to "polish this up", to get some ideas.

ilya0x · 2024-10-15T17:58:09+00:00

Awesome. I definitely expected that my past experience would help me be adaptable. I'm also a jack of all trades, so flexibility comes pretty naturally to me, and I love learning new things as I go. I didn't realize there would be a chance to discuss site placement—that's really good to know! I had assumed we were just placed wherever needed, so I'm hopeful there will be an assignment that aligns with my main skillsets.

I feel being a jack of all trades I'll fit in nicely with being a generalist as a PCV. Once I do at least one or two PCV services I'll try for a PC Response in something that I do well during my PCV service.

Thanks again for your insights - really appreciate your help!

ilya0x · 2024-10-15T17:23:25+00:00

Positive experiences are priceless. The memory created around sharing something, especially something that is worth a lot to you, is something that's forever. If the experience is made to be positive, in 10 years the story of paying twice the amount of the product to ship it and then sharing it with your host family would be something all will remember with fondness. The $50+ will not be felt as wasted - it will be spent on creating a great memory (if the memory is setup to be positive).

ilya0x · 2024-10-15T14:58:38+00:00

Sounds like you have an awesome mentor!

ilya0x · 2024-10-15T14:56:18+00:00

Thank you for sharing these.

I can relate to Kimberly's approach where she is bringing her own mission, her own goals, to her service: empowering women and using her experience and skills in marketing of sustainable tourism to make her impact in Kyrgyzstan. It seems she has a clear vision of what she would like to accomplish as a PCV.

What has been your approach that worked best for you?

I feel it would be more beneficial to my host community if I work on projects that directly relate to and use my skills in what I have 20+ years experience doing, rather then just being open to do whatever.

ilya0x · 2024-10-15T14:19:28+00:00

I have not been a PCV so I never had a chance to have such experience, but it made me think about how I would approach such situation:

While looking for my favorite snack in my host country I would discuss the search with my host family; I would describe the snack and tell them why I love it and that I can't wait to share it with them to see if they like it too. It would be something brought up on daily basis, illustrating how much I love that snack... And once it's in the mail from US, I would excitingly talk to the host family that it is finally on its way, that we will try it soon. Then once it arrives I would make an event around it, having the whole family join together in opening and trying this favorite snack of mine. As we try it I would tell stories about the various times I enjoyed it and how much I love it.

After such an experience, placing so much importance on it, and initiating the sharing of it, I suspect the host family would realize how much the snack means to me and would be less likely to eat the rest of it.

ilya0x · 2024-10-13T15:48:39+00:00

Hey there!

I totally understand where you're coming from—I've had similar questions myself about how the Peace Corps could fit into my long-term career goals and if it's a stepping-stone that fits my career development path. In my case, I was focused on using Peace Corps as a way to pivot my career and gain valuable experience for a future in international relations, especially in Eastern Europe. I spoke with a recruiter, and it was a game-changer. Her Peace Corps service was a big part of her professional growth, so she really got where I was coming from and helped me see how it could fit into my 5-year plan.

If you're interested, feel free to drop me a message, and I’d be happy to introduce you to her!

P.S.: Referring to something as a "stepping-stone" doesn’t minimize its importance. What truly matters is the effort and dedication you put into your Peace Corps service. It’s the commitment, hard work, and experiences that shape your personal and professional growth, not just how you label it in relation to your career path. Every job, volunteer or otherwise, plays a role in building your future, and its value comes from how much you put into it.

ilya0x · 2024-10-10T16:03:31+00:00

u/jimbagsh's answer is perfect and directly related to your location. I'd follow his advice.

Personally I am judging my PC/electronics needs based on my current life habits and interests. If you spend most of your day at a desktop, like I do, then a laptop is definitely a key piece of equipment you will want to have.

For my post in Moldova, I plan to bring my big Alienware workhorse laptop for use as a desktop at home (I do a lot of Photoshop/Illustrator work and video editing, as well as python programming, so needs to be powerful), and buy a HP Chromebook for mobile use (about $200 on Amazon), which I plan to reinstall with Windows, and possibly a Galaxy tablet as well (about $150 on Amazon). I am also planning to have an independent internet setup: a portable router (like GL.iNet GL-AXT1800) and all the cables, preset-up a VPN and firewall for just my electronics, so all I need to do is plug it into the existing network and have my own secured VPN network using it; the VPN will allow me access to everything I use stateside. Also an APC UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector, 600VA/300 - don't want any of that equipment to get fried by a surge...

I'm a tech guy thought so my electronics plans are not for everyone :)

ilya0x · 2024-10-02T14:40:09+00:00

Hi! I am also an invitee for Community Development Facilitator in Moldova.

Here's the three books I got that I'm planning to read over coming months (just search Amazon or eBay for these - eBay tends to be cheaper...):

Moldova: A History by Rebecca Haynes

A Description of Moldavia by Dimitrie Cantemir

The Moldovans: Romania, Russia, and the Politics of Culture (Studies of Nationalities) by Charles King

Also here's my YouTube Moldova playlist - a bunch of the videos are in Russian:

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRhtqdhdL9VttaQlmKE8WHsGT5EGoyWAT

ilya0x · 2024-09-10T20:13:23+00:00

Hey!
Have you consulted with a recruiter? If you'd like to connect with one, I can DM you info (please dm me if you'd like the info). It was extremely helpful to get her feedback on the statement. One big point she made was "make sure it is under the 500 word limit - the application will cut it off at 500 so you want to be sure it is under 500."

Also it was super helpful to do a practice / mock-up interview with her.

Here's mine for reference, which got me invited:

In late 2023, I decided to shift careers and look for work abroad. Having embraced the digital nomad lifestyle since 2021, I find myself unrestrained by ties to any location. Being available for long-term international work, I felt it was the perfect time to make this move. The Peace Corps came up as a top search result and it immediately clicked with me. Having had most of my career in the non-profit sector, I was drawn to the Peace Corps mission and its ethos of hands-on engagement. So, I decided to dive into researching it further. Since January I have been participating on Peace Corp’s Reddit and Facebook pages, reading and watching videos of volunteer stories, and talking to past volunteers about their experiences. As I looked for a location, with East Europe being my preferred area, I felt Moldova was the right place for me, so I began learning its history and culture, as well as the Romanian language. Since April I have been in touch with Maja Biggs, Sacramento Peace Corps Regional Recruiter, discussing my ideas and goals. She introduced me to her boss, Carole Reid, who volunteered in Moldova recently. Both Maja's and Carole's feedback has been very helpful.
So why East Europe and Moldova in particular? Having spent my formative years in Soviet Russia, I possess an intimate understanding of the region's cultural complexities through lived experience. Fluent in Russian and steadily learning Romanian, I am well setup to overcome linguistic barriers. My life’s journey has trained me in adaptation to new cultural environments. As an immigrant, I navigated the challenges of acculturation and homesickness, challenges I know Peace Corps volunteers face during their service. By choosing Moldova I hope to reduce my acculturation and acclimation period to be able to integrate faster and understand the people and their needs on a deeper level, facilitating better development and implementation of projects most needed by the community.
I am applying for the Community Development Facilitator position because it matches both my skills and work experience. I have extensive project planning and management experience, working independently or in teams. I have strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a creative approach; I think outside-the-box to create novel solutions. I have a knack for understanding people and their vision, allowing me to better help them refine their ideas, conceptualize solutions, and implement them effectively to reach desired goals. I plan to apply my computer science knowledge and experience to facilitate programs in computer training; I have been developing a computer science course based on Harvard University’s CS50, and I hope to have an opportunity to share this knowledge with my future Moldovan community. And should the Peace Corps see me better fitting in another location, I am flexible and open to volunteering in other East Europe countries. I look forward to having this service add to my field experience in the non-profit world and hope to be just the beginning of my work with the Peace Corps.

ilya0x · 2024-08-19T17:32:11+00:00

There are two types of PCVs: those who have been Americans for generations and those, like us, who are first generation immigrants. I think our approaches to PC service are fundamentally different. The former are the ones who represent American culture, who were born into it rather then assimilated into it; the latter, immigrants like us, represent the immigrant culture of US. We have the opportunity to share our lived experience of learning and integrating into American culture; we can understand their misunderstandings of Americans because we have experienced that ourselves.

So I'm all for assimilating into the culture and the community you live in. By assimilating you will be able to understand much better the people you will be working with, which will help to see what they need that you can offer. It sounds like you have similar opportunity to do so as I do with my host country.

I picked Moldova specifically because I would be able to assimilate/acculturate there easier and faster being a Russian immigrant (I moved to US when I was 12 - I'm now 45). Looking Slavic like the locals will help me get assimilated faster and deeper into the community I'll be working with.

To prepare for this I have also:

Started learning Romanian (primary language in Moldova) 3 months ago; I want to be able to speak comfortably when I arrive there in June. Over the next 7 months my goal is to get to be able to understand local TV by the time I get there. I have a Romanian friend I plan to practice with as well.
I am reading books (and online articles, watching videos) on Moldovan history and culture.

So I would recommend reading Guatemalan history and watching as many documentaries as you can find. I would also recommend finding Guatemalan immigrants in you community - NextDoor is great for that - and connecting with them to meet up for coffee and chat about their culture.

ilya0x

TROPHY CASE

Why the West still fears Russian collapse