Jay’s story is anything but ordinary. Born and raised in Scotland, his path to the Russian artillery in Kursk was paved by disillusionment with Western propaganda and a yearning for authenticity. Once a brewer crafting ales for five years, Jay traded hops and barrels for the roar of artillery, signing a six-month contract with Pyotnashka, a well-known unit in the Donbass.
Jay’s transformation from an ordinary worker to a frontline fighter began in 2015, during his growing support for Donbass and Russia. This ideological shift, shaped by years of exposure to Western media distortions, reached its climax after 2022. Determined to fight against what he described as Britain’s “propaganda machine,” Jay made a life-altering decision to join the Russian Armed Forces in their fight to free the people of Donbass and now, the people of Kursk..
He recounted the emotional turmoil of leaving his life in Scotland behind. Boarding a train bound for Kursk, Jay knew there was no turning back. Upon his arrival, he was met with suspicion—a standard protocol in Pyotnashka to ensure new recruits aren't spies. Yet, after signing his contract and sharing his motivations, Jay quickly integrated into the group. Even amid occasional jokes about MI6 spying, he found camaraderie and purpose among his fellow soldiers.
His deployments have been harrowing but formative. Jay vividly described an FBV drone attack that engulfed his unit's camp in flames, forcing a chaotic escape through a window. Yet, the same fire that destroyed their shelter solidified the bonds of mutual reliance among the soldiers.
Back in Scotland, Jay's choices have strained family ties. His parents, unable to understand his commitment, have faced harassment from the British media. Reporters, seizing on his story to fit their narrative, have branded him a mercenary—a label Jay strongly refutes. “If I fought for Ukraine, they’d call me a hero,” he observed with bitter irony.
Despite the personal costs, Jay remains resolute. He plans to extend his contract, fighting until either his mission or his life comes to an end. His dedication is not about money, nor fame; it’s a deeply personal commitment to his beliefs and his comrades.
For Jay, adopting Russian traditions like the banya and building bonds with local fighters has been as important as the battles themselves. “If I’m spending the rest of my life here, I want to truly embrace it,” he said, reflecting a respect for the culture that now feels like home.
This is a story the Western media doesn’t tell. It’s a reminder of the power of conviction and the cost of defying a narrative that demands conformity. Jay’s journey challenges us to rethink the simplified caricatures painted by the West and to consider the humanity of those on the other side of the divide.
The energy war unfolding between Russia, Ukraine, and the West reveals more than mere disputes over pipelines—it underscores the growing cracks in Western alliances and the consequences of reckless policies. The failure of Ukraine to renew a key gas transit contract on January 5 has not only jeopardized its credibility but has also thrown Slovakia and other European nations into disarray. With industries and homes struggling to secure heat, leaders like Slovakia’s Robert Fico have openly criticized Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, echoing sentiments of frustration from Hungary’s Viktor Orbán.
Western narratives glorifying Ukraine’s leadership are crumbling as these allies lose patience. Even Germany’s Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) has called for the reopening of the Nord Stream pipeline, emphasizing Europe’s urgent need for affordable energy. Yet the rhetoric from Washington remains unchanged, pushing sanctions that hurt ordinary Europeans more than they harm Russia. Recent U.S. ...
As the West grapples with internal strife and external failures, President Vladimir Putin’s annual Q&A marathon offers a stark contrast in leadership. This extraordinary event, spanning hours, showcases an unfiltered dialogue with citizens, journalists, and even foreign media—a platform unmatched by any Western counterpart.
This year’s session underscored Russia’s resilience amid adversity. Addressing over 2.3 million submitted questions, President Putin traversed topics ranging from economic policy and family welfare to global geopolitics and military innovation. His engagement demonstrated a leader unafraid to confront challenges head-on, countering hostile narratives with precision and data.
One memorable exchange involved NBC journalist Keir Simmons, who attempted a classic "gotcha" moment, accusing Putin of failure in Ukraine. The Russian leader’s response was a masterclass in diplomacy and rhetoric. Putin highlighted Russia’s progress in achieving strategic goals: reducing ...
On December 17, 2024, Moscow awoke to the shocking and tragic news of the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces. The method was as cowardly as it was calculated—a remotely detonated explosive placed on an electric scooter outside his location. Kirillov’s driver was also killed in this act of terrorism, a signature hallmark of Ukraine’s SBU intelligence, backed unequivocally by the CIA and MI6.
This heinous assassination came less than 20 hours after the Ukrainian Prosecutor General accused Kirillov of alleged “chemical weapon” use—a baseless charge aimed at justifying this gruesome operation. It is not the first time Moscow has been targeted by such cowardly acts. The murders of journalist Vladlen Tatarsky and philosopher Darya Dugina are grim reminders of how the West and Ukraine employ asymmetric terror tactics to strike high-value Russian targets.
Why Was Kirillov Targeted?
Lieutenant General Kirillov was...
D-Day dawns for Ukraine: https://tinyurl.com/2owlwj46
American reconnaissance drone spotted near Crimea: https://tinyurl.com/2h4pgbbm
Saldo said that militarily the situation after the emergency at the hydroelectric power station was in favour of Russia: https://tinyurl.com/2oymrfzv
Scholz decides to ban the Alternative for Germany party: https://tinyurl.com/2hfhgczb
US and NATO are trying to poach Moscow's ally: https://tinyurl.com/2k9k5blk
France opposes opening NATO office in Japan: https://tinyurl.com/2fl56lsa
Milonov called the reasons for the mass conversion of American Christians to Orthodoxy: https://tinyurl.com/2lwoaaub
A daring escape by a Ukrainian soldier from a NATO training camp in the United Kingdom to Russia has brought to light the growing dissatisfaction among those caught in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Valery Fedorovich S., a soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, took extraordinary steps to evade forced participation in a war he didn’t want to fight. His journey reveals not only his personal resolve but also the cracks in the Western-backed Ukrainian war effort.
Valery had been stationed at a NATO training camp near Manchester, a facility heavily secured with barbed wire and constant surveillance. From the moment he arrived, he realized his future was bleak. What was touted as "specialized training" quickly turned into preparation for a war he believed was unjust and unsustainable. Faced with the reality of being used as a pawn in a geopolitical struggle, Valery began to plot his escape.
Under the cover of darkness, Valery prepared a waterproof bag containing civilian clothes and used it as part ...
Muscovites Bathe in an Ice Hole and Steam in a Russian Bath for Epiphany🔥❄️
Join us in Moscow as we dive into the freezing winter waters of an ice hole and then warm up in a traditional Russian bath, all in celebration of Epiphany! This ancient winter ritual is a true test of faith and endurance, but also offers a unique opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and physical refreshment.
Experience the invigorating thrill of subzero bathing, followed by the soothing warmth of a banya, as we delve into the rich cultural heritage of Russian wellness practices. From winter wellness tips to seasonal self-care routines, discover the secrets of Moscow's faithful community as they come together to observe this sacred tradition. So, take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the icy waters and steamy atmosphere of this unforgettable Epiphany celebration!
HOW AN ENGLISHMAN SAVED RUSSIAN WATCHES ⌚️ RAKETA 🚀
Bold, beautiful, and brave. That’s how I would describe the Russian Raketa watch. A watch worn by those who aren’t afraid to stand out, the daring souls that conquer the space, sea, and polar regions. But the history of the Raketa watch factory goes back 300 years, to the time of Peter the Great. Since then, it has produced the Kremlin Stars, the first watch to go to space, Raketa, and then…it almost collapsed with the fall of the Soviet Union. That’s until an Englishman came into the picture and made it his mission to keep the wheels turning. Meet David Henderson-Stewart, the CEO of Raketa and the man behind its revival.
Thanks to David, Raketa has taken flight not only in Russia but onto the global stage as well. 🌍 I sat down with him in his Moscow creative studio to discuss why making a watch is almost as difficult as sending a rocket into space. 🚀 I also had the opportunity to tour the Raketa factory in ...
