Introducing My New Project: Off Grid in Russia

After years of reporting from Donbass and getting banned by the West's so-called "free platforms," I’ve decided to start something different—but just as real.

I’ve bought land in the Russian countryside. No noise, no nonsense—just nature, hard work, and freedom.
I’m building my own dacha, growing my own food, and documenting the entire off-grid journey on video.

This isn’t just about escaping the system.
It’s about reclaiming life—brick by brick, seed by seed.

The channel is called Off Grid in Russia.
It’s for anyone tired of the modern world and curious about life lived on your own terms, far from the machine.

First video drops soon.
If you're into self-reliance, homesteading, cold-climate gardening, or just want a raw, honest look at real life in rural Russia—this is for you.

Follow the journey.
Subscribe on YouTube (and see how long before it gets banned 😂)

Take a walk with us through a Russian neighborhood.

My friend Ven just published a new YouTube video featuring me, where we explore a residential area packed with various modern home projects — real Russian design, not propaganda or prefab clichés.

From 'gas block', sleek wood-and-glass builds, to traditional log cabins.

Watch the full tour here:
https://youtu.be/_7NmLvIOMXk?si=4XDSiIApg_3aOVhJ

t.me/OffGridInRussia

🚨 Sneak Peek — Out Here, You Help Each Other

No noscript. No speeches. Just one guy stuck, another guy stepping in.

This is what life off grid really looks like — quiet, honest, and human.

Full video drops Friday. It’s not about going viral. It’s about going real.

📢 Telegram: @OffGridInRussia
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OffGridInRussia
🌐 OffGridInRussia.com

Tag someone who gets it.

Help Make This Dream a Reailty!: https://bit.ly/OffGridInRussia

#OffGrid #RussiaLife #SimpleLiving #NoFilter

Welcome to Episode 1 of Off Grid in Russia! Now live on YouTube!

Two years ago, I bought a triangular plot of land near Saint Petersburg for £5,000—what I now call the "Field of Dreams." This series follows my attempt to build a tiny off-grid cabin (dacha) from scratch with limited funds, no electricity, and a lot of determination.

In this episode, I walk you through the land, foundation work using Russian-style screw piles, and my first big lumberyard run. You’ll also hear about my backstory: from living in a caravan and writing books in my 20s to humanitarian work in Donbass, and now starting over at nearly 40—facing rising building costs, Russian red tape, and swarms of mosquitoes.

If you're interested in off-grid living, budget building, rural Russian life, or just love a good underdog story—subscribe and follow along.

Don't forget to check out youtube.com/@rdnkven channel, HUGE Thanks to Ven for all his generousity of time, knowledge and hospitality.

🌲 Off Grid in Russia
Building a simple life on Russian soil — one project at a time. 🛠🌾

🌻 Help make the field of dreams a reality: Donate

🚙 Off-Grid Reality Check: The Legendary "Buhanka" Life...

After a long day building the cabin, I came back to this—my trusty UAZ "Buhanka" doubling as a rainwater collector. 💦 Who needs a footwell when you can have a foot pool, right?

If you’re romanticizing Russian vehicles, it’s time for a cold shower (or in this case, a warm footbath). They’re tough, they’re iconic, but waterproof? Not so much.

Stay gritty, stay prepared. Off-grid means embracing the unexpected.

#OffGridRussia #UAZBuhanka #NoIllusions #DIYSurvival

> Poll Result:
43% of you voted that your biggest dream for going off-grid is to escape the system.


It’s no surprise. Many people today feel trapped — not just by cities or technology, but by a way of life that no longer feels real.

Going off-grid isn’t just about living without certain conveniences. It’s about regaining control over the essentials: food, shelter, energy, and time.

When you build something with your own hands, when your day follows the rhythm of nature instead of deadlines, you start to understand what real freedom is.

Out here in the Russian countryside, that dream is more reachable than you might think. The first step would be to visit bit.ly/MoveToRussia

If you could change just one thing about your life right now to feel freer, what would it be?

Watch the 'behind the scenes' or 'Directors Cut' version of episode 1 over on Ven's channel:

https://youtu.be/rgFTjlIVIjM?si=722mIKB4jq3UQwpa

Cut the grass, dodged the ticks, and now I’m questioning everything about this build. Do I really need an indoor bathroom if a banya works better? Why cook inside when summer begs for open flames? And rainwater vs. a pricey well—am I crazy to try it? Would love your takes!

@OffGridInRussia

For an immersive look into off-grid living in Russia, the documentary Happy People: A Year in the Taiga offers a profound exploration of life in the remote village of Bakhta, situated in the Siberian taiga. Directed by Dmitry Vasyukov and narrated by Werner Herzog, this film provides an intimate portrayal of self-sufficient trappers and their families who have adapted to the harsh subarctic environment. The documentary delves into their daily routines, from crafting tools and building canoes to setting traps and preparing for the long winters, showcasing a lifestyle that remains largely untouched by modern technology.

This film stands out for its authentic depiction of human resilience and harmony with nature. The villagers' deep connection to their environment and reliance on traditional knowledge offer valuable insights into sustainable living practices. For anyone interested in off-grid lifestyles, survival skills, or the cultural heritage of Siberia, Happy People serves as both an educational resource and a source of inspiration.

You can watch the documentary on YouTube:

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga

This documentary not only highlights the challenges of living in isolation but also celebrates the ingenuity and spirit of those who choose to live in harmony with the wilderness.

@OffGridInRussia

🚧 New Episode Coming Friday! 🚧

This Friday, 6th June at 17:00 MSK — Off Grid in Russia returns with Episode 2!

We finally get the walls up on the tiny home — rain, mud, and all. Watch as we frame the first walls, battle the Leningrad weather, and share a few laughs along the way. 🛠🌧

If you’re curious about what it really takes to build a tiny house off grid in rural Russia — don’t miss it.

🔔 Set a reminder and be ready to watch the progress unfold.
📺 Episode 2 drops Friday at 17:00 MSK on YouTube!

🌥 Доброе утро, друзья! 🌥

Bit of rain, bit of building — just another day off-grid in Russia. 🇷🇺
Chatted about feeling at home here... gray skies, no fish and chips, but hey, we make do. 😅

New video dropping soon — grab a tea and hang tight. 🛖

@OffGridInRussia

🌲 Episode 2 is LIVE! 🌲

We’re back building between the showers — talking weather, home, and life off-grid in Russia. 🇷🇺

Check out the new episode now:
👉 https://youtu.be/_Pgm1b7jCRY

Grab a tea and join us!