Ep 28. The War at Home & Putin's Crimea

In season 6 episode 28 of Vice, titled "The War at Home & Putin's Crimea," viewers are taken on a journey examining two interconnected stories: the rising tide of nationalism and fascism in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea by Russia.

The episode begins with a report on Ukraine, where far-right groups have become increasingly powerful since the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution. Correspondent Gianna Toboni meets with members of far-right outfits like the Azov Battalion, discovering how these organizations, despite representing only a small minority in Ukrainian society, have managed to wield tremendous influence in the country. Toboni investigates the cause of this phenomenon, examining the role of the Ukrainian government, the oligarchs supporting these groups, and their common enemy – Russia.

The second part of the episode focuses on the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. Correspondent Isobel Yeung travels to the former Ukrainian territory to explore the situation on the ground – speaking with pro-Ukrainian activists, Tartars, and Russian citizens who support President Putin's aggressive policies. Yeung uncovers the ongoing repression of dissent, the destruction of sovereign Ukrainian institutions, and the absence of all hope for any future solution.

Through each of the stories in this episode, Vice aims to bring clarity to the interconnected nature of two of the most pressing issues of our time. The program invites viewers to understand the deep complexities and contradictions of the Ukraine conflict, helping us to further appreciate the human cost of nationalism and war. "The War at Home & Putin's Crimea" is at once a thought-provoking, challenging, and deeply insightful examination of the current state of events in Ukraine and their implications for the wider world.