Leaving Twitter, the platform I accidentally chose to amplify my voice as soon as the war became a reality in Ukraine, was not an easy decision. Let me explain why.
In the early months of 2022, during the first days of the invasion, I felt a duty to speak out to the world. From that moment, the whole planet turned its watchful eyes to Ukraine, and I felt that perspectives of ordinary citizens like me needed space. So I naturally gravitated towards Twitter—for its simplicity, effectiveness, and the impression that so many were already supporting Ukraine there.
After all, I needed to be on social media if I wanted to be heard. Who would know about my blog if I didn’t spread the word?
Two years later, I left an account with over 4,000 friends, among them some of the most incredible people I could never have imagined meeting. True soulmates, who brought me comfort during the most critical moments, from all corners of the world.
But staying there became impossible after Elon Musk ruined it. I wanted to leave the day he took over, but I decided to be less emotional and think it through. And so, I witnessed the rise of hate, harassment, and disrespect, realizing that this toxic environment was exactly what the "owner" intended to cultivate.
My first emotions unfortunately have proven right.
As a Ukrainian, I was subjected to hundreds of harassing messages, but frankly, they didn’t bother me. What truly concerned me was remaining on a platform whose leader openly declared his intent to use all resources to push his political agenda, manipulate algorithms to serve his social engineering goals, and support candidates aligned with his distorted vision of the world and society.
He sees himself as the most powerful person in the world, above anyone else. And he is not really detached from the reality, as long as so many of us continue feeding his algorithms and giving him our data.
Thankfully, not with my data anymore.
He sides with Putin, the man who refuses to acknowledge Ukraine’s existence and has been bombarding us for almost three years. How could we feel safe on a platform like that?
Since I started my blog, it has been open for donations and tips, which have been critical at various times. I am no exception to the devastation of the financial means of Ukrainians. Additionally, I still have a refugee family abroad that I need to support regularly, adding further strain. Leaving Twitter risks losing this important source of help, as in theory, I would reach fewer people, readers, and also supporters.
But I am committed to building my own network of friends through my blogs here on buymeacoffee.com and Substack, where there will be no intermediaries between us. I’m also giving Threads a try, and the warm reception there has been a pleasant surprise!
So it's a goodbye to Twitter, but a hello to Threads!
I would be honored if you subscribed to one of my blogs, whether you choose the free options or the paid ones. In return, even though I may never fully find the words to express my thankfulness, I’m committed to sharing the truest impressions of my soul about what life is like in Ukraine during this time in history.
It’s essential for us to stay connected, because this war isn’t just a threat to my country—it’s a threat to all of humanity.
And it’s essential for me to have you around, because without writing and without interacting with the wonderful friends this war has brought me, I’m not sure I’d still be here to tell my story.
—Vik