You know Yul Brenner was born in Vladivostok? Until this last year I was unaware of that fact.

Lenin is often depicted beckoning: „Come, see what the workers have accomplished“ or „here, this is the way to the worker’s paradise,“ however across from Владивосток’s main rail station he is definitely pointing, not beckoning.

Lenin in Irkutsk faces northwest, his expression a bit less stern than in some depictions. He beckons, chest thrust proudly forward. He wears his coat here, rather than draping it as a cloak. The coat is open as he also appears to be. This is a fluid Lenin.

+972 Magazine article on Israeli military resisters:

“If you want to be a partner to Palestinians, you cannot join the army that is killing them,” she said. “These are people you know, whose homes are being demolished or who are being killed.”

Her solidarity work with Palestinians, she said, also exposed the limits of trying to reform the system from within. “There were times when a soldier threw a stun grenade at me, detained me, or when I saw soldiers demolishing homes I had slept in, homes of fellow Palestinian activists. That really changes your perspective, your understanding that this isn’t ‘my’ army, that the army is against me.”

Lenin in Novosibirsk is rough hewn and his stance is strong, feet apart. He is not alone – these three guys have rifles. They will defend the revolution.

Lenin is flanked on his left by two workers, pointing the way.

Immediately before Lenin are two low riders, parked here in the center of town where everyone can enjoy their shine as much as the proud owners do. Their drivers are looking sharp, lounging on the low wall of Lenin’s pedestal. The evening is pleasantly warm. There are lots of people out. A spotless low rider with a shiny Mercedes emblem is pretty much a chick magnet I would say.

Kyle Anzalone, ScheerPost:

President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account that India and Russia are now firmly tied to China and have drifted away from the US orbit. Trump also demanded that Europe end Russian oil imports and place pressure on China.

In Omsk Lenin seems a bit pensive. He wraps his coat around one arm, as if to protect it from the wind. His other arm hangs at his side. Does he look at the viewer with concern?

Tara Gate to the Omsk Fortress. Built in 1792. The Fortress was at one time the largest in western Siberia, and the gates to it are a landmark of the city.

The largest May 9 artwork that I’ve seen. This is a building opposite the entrance to the Fortress. Reminds me of the Bundestag not inviting representatives of Russia and Belarus to the commemoration ceremony in Berlin.

„Central Military District – True to the traditions of Siberian warriors“. The world looks different from Siberia. You will not find Moscow on this map. Samara and Kazan are on the western edge here.

Dostoevsky was imprisoned in Omsk.