Benjamin WittesFeb 26, 2023

A Year of War: A Laser Essay

I projected this essay, in English and in Ukrainian, at a candlelight vigil organized by US Ukrainian Activists, Razom for Ukraine, and United Help Ukraine at the russian embassy on the evening of Friday, February 23, 2023—the eve of the one-year anniversary of the start of the full-scale invasion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRgkJi_6-WU

A Year of War: A Laser Essay

YouTube
Show threadBenjamin WittesFeb 26, 2023
The essay is by a woman named Katya Savchenko, whom I met virtually a few months ago when I read her diary of surviving the occupation of Bucha. I got in touch with her in response and asked her to come on my occasional live podcast show, #LiveFromUkraine.
Show threadBenjamin Wittes
We have corresponded periodically since, and she wrote the projected text in response to my request that she write a message for Ambassador Anatoly Antonov for me to project onto the embassy. The translation from Ukrainian was done by Catarina Buchatskiy. The audio voicing is by Luda Huntsman. The musical score was created for my friends at Goat Rodeo by the Attacca Quartet. Avery Schmitz operated #LordLaser in the live production.
Feb 26, 2023 at 7:29pmWeb
Show threadBenjamin WittesFeb 26, 2023
My deep thanks to everyone involved, including the audience members who sent me still images and video footage from the scene, many of which I have incorporated into this video.
Show threadBenjamin WittesFeb 26, 2023
I want to stress that the “Z” and “V” spotlights in the background were not projected by my team. They are the russian embassy’s own spotlights, turned on to try to drown out our own spotlights. I don’t project swastikas, and I don’t project the “Z” symbol either. Please ignore them.
Show threadAlexander RutholFeb 26, 2023
@benjaminwittes
You're awesome. Thank you for doing this!