It’s been almost four years since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a bloody full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From war-ravaged cities to devastated communities throughout the country, the conflict has shown Ukraine is forever changed. Perhaps less visible to Western audiences are the changes the war has brought to Russia. Pavel Talankin witnessed the changes firsthand at his school in the small mining town of Karabash. Then a primary school teacher and beloved mentor to students, Talankin was forced into Putin’s propaganda machine promoting state-sanctioned messages. As the school’s videographer, Talankin filmed the transformation of his students to his horror. The experience led Talankin to leave Russia to a new role as whistleblower and documentary filmmaker.
WBUR senior reporter Anthony Brooks moderated a discussion with executive producer Robin Hessman.