I’ll never forget the first day of the war. February 24, 2022, started like any other day in Kyiv, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. I woke up to the sound of explosions, hypersonic missiles cutting through the sky and shrapnel tearing through the city. In that moment, everything I knew about life, safety, and home was gone. Kyiv, a city as vibrant and alive as Los Angeles, was turned into a battlefield overnight. Millions of lives were upended in the blink of an eye, and I became a refugee, forced to leave my home to escape Russian aggression. This war isn’t about NATO or America. It’s about Ukraine fighting for its right to exist, for the freedom to choose its future. My story is one of millions, and I’m sharing it here so that the world understands the truth about what we’re going through. Thank you for watching and for taking the time to hear my perspective. If this resonates with you, please share this video to help spread the truth about Ukraine’s fight for freedom. This is my response to Johnny Harris’s video Why People Blame America for the War in Ukraine. As someone who lived through the first day of Russia’s invasion of Kyiv, I want to share my story and explain why this war has nothing to do with NATO or America. Russia has a long history of aggression - from Afghanistan to Chechnya, Moldova, Georgia, and now Ukraine. This is about Russia’s refusal to let its neighbors choose freedom and democracy, not about NATO expansion. My first day of war video is here: go.helia.agency/my-first-day-of-war In this video, I take you through the first day of the war, my father’s experience in Russian-occupied Georgia, and the truth about what’s happening in Ukraine. Watch, share, and help the world understand the real story behind this war. I'm Slava, a Ukrainian-born traveler, composer, and filmmaker based in California. From surviving war to chasing dreams in the U.S., I share stories, music, and moments that inspire adventure, resilience, and creativity. 🌍 Follow me as I explore the world, one experience at a time, and turn life's challenges into art. 🎥 Don’t forget to subscribe for inspiring content and hit the bell to join me on my journey! More Videos: - My Story from War to Dream: ua-cam.com/video/XkUAo7-5Ax8/v-deo.html - POV First Day of War: go.helia.agency/my-first-day-of-war Follow me: - Instagram: go.helia.agency/slava-instagram - Patreon: go.helia.agency/slava-patreon My Gear: - Camera: Sony a6700 - Lense: Sony 11mm f/1.8, Sigma 16mm f/1.4, Sony 55-210mm f/4,5-6,3 - Drone: Mavic Air 3
Comments like this are the best fuel to keep fighting with the algorithms, so thank you for taking the time to share this! I’m sincerely glad that UA-cam gives me the chance to build a community, and I’d love for you to be a part of it. I plan to share a lot of personal stories about how the war has affected me and my family, not just in the present, but across generations. I hope these stories can help us connect, inspire, and bring more awareness to what’s happening. Thanks again for your support! 💛💙
I’m truly surprised that the video was taken down, especially since it seemed like such a thoughtful take on a complex issue. Johnny mentioned he didn’t include all perspectives in the video, and honestly, that speaks volumes. It shows that we’re all capable of making mistakes, but it takes real courage to admit them, learn, and move forward. I have a lot of respect for Johnny for owning up to this, and I look forward to seeing a new video that addresses these perspectives in an even greater way. This topic deserves open dialogue, and I hope we can all keep learning together.
@@LASLAVA yeah i also found it but couldn't download it myself... now I can no longer find it. will keep looking and share in case i find it somewhere.. :/
@@mathewst3979 Here's a video from a streamer's channel featuring Johnny's video ua-cam.com/users/livedpF_pjZxYFI?t=6036s . And here's the Original Video: preservetube.com/watch?v=OwxNI_OByVc
Johnny Harris seems to have taken down the video with the intent to redo it, factoring in criticisms (perhaps like those you levied in this video) he received to paint a more accurate picture. I didn't get a chance to watch the video in its entirety before it was taken down, but it seems decent, at least, that he'd try and make amends for what he got wrong.
Thank you for sharing this perspective. It’s good to know that Johnny is considering redoing the video to factor in criticisms and provide a more accurate picture. That willingness to listen, reflect, and improve is something I truly respect. I have the video on that channel where I shared my personal experience of the first day of the war. It’s a firsthand account of what it felt like to wake up to explosions in Kyiv, missiles flying overhead, and lives being torn apart. I think it offers an insider perspective of what was really happening behind the headlines and titles. I didn’t make my video to attack Johnny or his work, but to provide a different angle and highlight the urgency of understanding this war for what it truly is. If his new video can incorporate voices like mine and others directly affected, it will be a powerful step toward creating a more complete narrative. I look forward to seeing what he creates next, and I hope it sparks even more meaningful discussions about the realities of this war.
As a Bulgarian I cry that my brothers have to kill each other, hope that Trump getting in power will help stop that mess somehow.. I know it is out of the topic here and shifting the narrative to whole other problem but I wanted to also sincerely thank you for being the inspiration for me to write this antiwar, antinationalism post on reddit called "Nationalism - the greatest sin of all humanity".. Stay save brother ❤
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and profound perspective. Your post on nationalism as the root of so many issues is thought-provoking, and I deeply respect your desire to see humanity move beyond divisions and work together as one civilization. It’s a dream I share too especially during times like these. As a Bulgarian, you have such a unique historical perspective to offer. Bulgaria has been at the crossroads of empires and ideologies for centuries, from the Ottoman rule to the complex dynamics of the Balkans in the 20th century. Do you see parallels between what’s happening now in Ukraine and the way foreign powers have historically influenced the Balkans, dividing and controlling the region under the promise of protecting ‘national interests’? It’s fascinating how nationalism can both unite and destroy. In Bulgarian history, nationalism was a driving force for independence from the Ottomans, yet it also led to conflicts during the Balkan Wars and the world wars that followed. How do you reconcile the idea that nationalism can be both a force for liberation and oppression? Do you think there’s a way to harness the positive aspects of national identity like preserving culture and language without letting it spiral into aggression and division? I also find it interesting that Bulgaria, like Ukraine, has faced situations where larger powers tried to manipulate its sovereignty. For instance, during the Cold War, Bulgaria was deeply tied to Soviet influence, and many decisions weren’t truly its own. Ukraine is still facing a similar struggle for independence and freedom from a larger, more aggressive neighbor. How do you see the role of smaller nations in these larger geopolitical games? Can they ever truly break free from being pawns on the global chessboard? I completely agree with your point about global unity. It’s tragic that while we are all so interconnected (scientifically, as you said, 52nd cousins!), we continue to fight over borders, resources, and power. Your hope that humanity can one day work together to progress rather than fight is something I hope to as well, even if it feels far away. By the way, I’ve shared my own experience of living through the first day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which ties into some of the themes you mention. It’s hard to explain the feeling of waking up to explosions and realizing that everything familiar is suddenly gone your home, your sense of safety, and your belief in the idea of progress. If you’re curious, I’d love for you to check it out. I truly believe conversations like these, where we question history, power, and humanity itself, are the seeds of a better future. Stay safe, my friend.
Haha, fair enough! I guess we all have our favorite flavors of Kool-Aid. Mine just happens to be 'Firsthand Experience Grape.' But hey, I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts - even if we might see things a bit differently! 💛💙
Your inability to point out where the video is incorrect speaks volumes about your gross ignorance. You obviously have a high susceptibility to Kremlin BS.
I’ll never forget the first day of the war. February 24, 2022, started like any other day in Kyiv, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. I woke up to the sound of explosions, hypersonic missiles cutting through the sky and shrapnel tearing through the city. In that moment, everything I knew about life, safety, and home was gone.
Kyiv, a city as vibrant and alive as Los Angeles, was turned into a battlefield overnight. Millions of lives were upended in the blink of an eye, and I became a refugee, forced to leave my home to escape Russian aggression.
This war isn’t about NATO or America. It’s about Ukraine fighting for its right to exist, for the freedom to choose its future. My story is one of millions, and I’m sharing it here so that the world understands the truth about what we’re going through.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to hear my perspective. If this resonates with you, please share this video to help spread the truth about Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
This is my response to Johnny Harris’s video Why People Blame America for the War in Ukraine. As someone who lived through the first day of Russia’s invasion of Kyiv, I want to share my story and explain why this war has nothing to do with NATO or America.
Russia has a long history of aggression - from Afghanistan to Chechnya, Moldova, Georgia, and now Ukraine. This is about Russia’s refusal to let its neighbors choose freedom and democracy, not about NATO expansion.
My first day of war video is here: go.helia.agency/my-first-day-of-war
In this video, I take you through the first day of the war, my father’s experience in Russian-occupied Georgia, and the truth about what’s happening in Ukraine. Watch, share, and help the world understand the real story behind this war.
I'm Slava, a Ukrainian-born traveler, composer, and filmmaker based in California. From surviving war to chasing dreams in the U.S., I share stories, music, and moments that inspire adventure, resilience, and creativity.
🌍 Follow me as I explore the world, one experience at a time, and turn life's challenges into art.
🎥 Don’t forget to subscribe for inspiring content and hit the bell to join me on my journey!
More Videos:
- My Story from War to Dream: ua-cam.com/video/XkUAo7-5Ax8/v-deo.html
- POV First Day of War: go.helia.agency/my-first-day-of-war
Follow me:
- Instagram: go.helia.agency/slava-instagram
- Patreon: go.helia.agency/slava-patreon
My Gear:
- Camera: Sony a6700
- Lense: Sony 11mm f/1.8, Sigma 16mm f/1.4, Sony 55-210mm f/4,5-6,3
- Drone: Mavic Air 3
Man, a lot of well-grounded points were said in this video.
that's some high quality production for channel this small! May the algorithms bless you
Comments like this are the best fuel to keep fighting with the algorithms, so thank you for taking the time to share this! I’m sincerely glad that UA-cam gives me the chance to build a community, and I’d love for you to be a part of it.
I plan to share a lot of personal stories about how the war has affected me and my family, not just in the present, but across generations. I hope these stories can help us connect, inspire, and bring more awareness to what’s happening. Thanks again for your support! 💛💙
does anyone have the original video? It's been taken down.
I’m truly surprised that the video was taken down, especially since it seemed like such a thoughtful take on a complex issue. Johnny mentioned he didn’t include all perspectives in the video, and honestly, that speaks volumes. It shows that we’re all capable of making mistakes, but it takes real courage to admit them, learn, and move forward.
I have a lot of respect for Johnny for owning up to this, and I look forward to seeing a new video that addresses these perspectives in an even greater way. This topic deserves open dialogue, and I hope we can all keep learning together.
I've found the video, but I'm not sure if sharing it is a good idea since Johnny deleted it. Let's wait for a new video instead.
@@LASLAVA yeah i also found it but couldn't download it myself... now I can no longer find it. will keep looking and share in case i find it somewhere.. :/
@@mathewst3979 Here's a video from a streamer's channel featuring Johnny's video ua-cam.com/users/livedpF_pjZxYFI?t=6036s . And here's the Original Video: preservetube.com/watch?v=OwxNI_OByVc
@@LASLAVA thanks!
Johnny Harris seems to have taken down the video with the intent to redo it, factoring in criticisms (perhaps like those you levied in this video) he received to paint a more accurate picture. I didn't get a chance to watch the video in its entirety before it was taken down, but it seems decent, at least, that he'd try and make amends for what he got wrong.
Thank you for sharing this perspective. It’s good to know that Johnny is considering redoing the video to factor in criticisms and provide a more accurate picture. That willingness to listen, reflect, and improve is something I truly respect.
I have the video on that channel where I shared my personal experience of the first day of the war. It’s a firsthand account of what it felt like to wake up to explosions in Kyiv, missiles flying overhead, and lives being torn apart. I think it offers an insider perspective of what was really happening behind the headlines and titles.
I didn’t make my video to attack Johnny or his work, but to provide a different angle and highlight the urgency of understanding this war for what it truly is. If his new video can incorporate voices like mine and others directly affected, it will be a powerful step toward creating a more complete narrative.
I look forward to seeing what he creates next, and I hope it sparks even more meaningful discussions about the realities of this war.
As a Bulgarian I cry that my brothers have to kill each other, hope that Trump getting in power will help stop that mess somehow..
I know it is out of the topic here and shifting the narrative to whole other problem but I wanted to also sincerely thank you for being the inspiration for me to write this antiwar, antinationalism post on reddit called "Nationalism - the greatest sin of all humanity"..
Stay save brother ❤
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and profound perspective. Your post on nationalism as the root of so many issues is thought-provoking, and I deeply respect your desire to see humanity move beyond divisions and work together as one civilization. It’s a dream I share too especially during times like these.
As a Bulgarian, you have such a unique historical perspective to offer. Bulgaria has been at the crossroads of empires and ideologies for centuries, from the Ottoman rule to the complex dynamics of the Balkans in the 20th century. Do you see parallels between what’s happening now in Ukraine and the way foreign powers have historically influenced the Balkans, dividing and controlling the region under the promise of protecting ‘national interests’?
It’s fascinating how nationalism can both unite and destroy. In Bulgarian history, nationalism was a driving force for independence from the Ottomans, yet it also led to conflicts during the Balkan Wars and the world wars that followed. How do you reconcile the idea that nationalism can be both a force for liberation and oppression? Do you think there’s a way to harness the positive aspects of national identity like preserving culture and language without letting it spiral into aggression and division?
I also find it interesting that Bulgaria, like Ukraine, has faced situations where larger powers tried to manipulate its sovereignty. For instance, during the Cold War, Bulgaria was deeply tied to Soviet influence, and many decisions weren’t truly its own. Ukraine is still facing a similar struggle for independence and freedom from a larger, more aggressive neighbor. How do you see the role of smaller nations in these larger geopolitical games? Can they ever truly break free from being pawns on the global chessboard?
I completely agree with your point about global unity. It’s tragic that while we are all so interconnected (scientifically, as you said, 52nd cousins!), we continue to fight over borders, resources, and power. Your hope that humanity can one day work together to progress rather than fight is something I hope to as well, even if it feels far away.
By the way, I’ve shared my own experience of living through the first day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which ties into some of the themes you mention. It’s hard to explain the feeling of waking up to explosions and realizing that everything familiar is suddenly gone your home, your sense of safety, and your belief in the idea of progress. If you’re curious, I’d love for you to check it out.
I truly believe conversations like these, where we question history, power, and humanity itself, are the seeds of a better future. Stay safe, my friend.
Keep Drinkin That Kool Aid Bud
Haha, fair enough! I guess we all have our favorite flavors of Kool-Aid. Mine just happens to be 'Firsthand Experience Grape.' But hey, I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts - even if we might see things a bit differently! 💛💙
Your inability to point out where the video is incorrect speaks volumes about your gross ignorance.
You obviously have a high susceptibility to Kremlin BS.