03/21/2026

Today I’m joined by Viliuia Choinova, a Sakha activist, engineer, and advocate for Indigenous rights.

• 00:00 – For many outside observers, the Russian Federation appears uniform. What should they understand first about Sakha, its culture, language, and traditions?
• 06:00 – Sakha is rich in gold, diamonds, oil, and gas. Do local communities truly benefit from this wealth, or does it primarily serve Moscow?
• 08:30 – You are also an engineer and environmental activist. Why does the Kremlin view independent activism with suspicion, and how does the Sakha autonomy movement continue under such conditions?
• 14:50 – Many observers note that Russia’s mobilization has disproportionately affected ethnic minorities. Do you see this in Sakha, and how do people respond to the war against Ukraine?
• 20:00 – Do you believe Sakha could one day become independent, and what kind of future do people hope to build?
• 25:45 – For those still discovering how distinct Sakha is from imperial Russia, what is one important difference they should understand?

https://www.youtube.com/@AnnafromUkraine