Dear readers,

We’re writing you this letter on behalf of the entire Meduza newsroom, not just our English team. If you’re reading this, you’re one of the 370,000 people who visit Meduza in English every month, and we couldn’t be more grateful that you’ve stuck with us.

After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, all eyes were on our part of the world, and our international audience was double what it is today. Needless to say, a lot has happened in the four years since, so we can’t blame people for turning their attention elsewhere. But we know that those of you who read us regularly value high-quality, independent journalism. Much like Meduza’s journalists, our readers are truth seekers — and that’s why we strive to bring you in-depth, nuanced reporting that goes beyond mainstream news coverage.

Our readers in Russia are no exception. To say they read Meduza because they believe in press freedom would be an understatement; our reporting gives them access to information they need to survive under Putin’s regime. Despite the Kremlin’s ever-tightening repressions, wartime censorship, and Internet restrictions, as many as nine million people inside Russia still read Meduza every month because they want to know the truth. No matter how scary the news may be, they’d rather stay connected to the outside world than bury their heads in the sand. 

We know this because our Russian readers write to us constantly. They tell us that they want to know the truth about Russia’s war against Ukraine, and what’s really happening in the worlds of politics, culture, science, and international affairs. That they want to stay connected to like-minded people, those who share their values, interests, and views. That our reporting helps them stay sane, hold on to hope, and remember they are not alone. And that Meduza is a crucial part of their daily lives. 

Now, our readers in Russia are writing to you. Below, you’ll find a selection of messages from people who can’t support Meduza safely. As you may know, anyone who lives in Russia (or even travels there) risks felony charges for donating to an outlawed “undesirable” organization. That’s why our Flower Power crowdfunding campaign is designed to connect our readers inside Russia with those of you all over the world. It’s a dark time for independent journalism globally, but together you can make a difference and help Meduza survive. 

We all need somebody to lean on, and your fellow readers inside Russia are calling on you. For safety reasons, we’ve assigned each of them a botanical code name, inspired by the anti-Nazi German resistance group the White Rose. Please read their heartfelt messages, sponsor an appeal that speaks to you (or two!), and help us show the Kremlin why “Flower Power” is an anti-war slogan. 

The following is a selection of donation requests from Meduza’s Russian-speaking readers, translated and lightly edited for length and clarity. To read more of their messages, visit our Flower Power campaign page, which offers automatic translation.

🌼 Amber Buttercup

For many years, I supported Meduza financially. I did this regularly, for as long as I had the chance. Now, I’m still in Russia, and it’s no longer possible to support Meduza from inside the country. It’s a very strange, difficult, and unbearable feeling, wanting to help and having no way to do so. 

Therefore, I ask you — if you do not live in Russia and have the chance — please support Meduza in my place.

Meduza isn’t just a media outlet. It’s a way to stay grounded in reality when you’re surrounded by far too many lies. It’s stories that keep you from going crazy, becoming hardened, or acclimating to impossible things. It’s journalism that still speaks honestly with readers. 

It’s really important to me (as it is to all of us) that Meduza continues its work. We all really need them, especially those who cannot support [Meduza] directly right now.

If you can, please make a donation, and make one on my behalf too. 

Thank you.

🍀 Dusty Green Clover

Hi! I live in Russia, but until I was 11 years old, I often spent months and even years in Ukraine, with my grandparents, uncle and aunt, and my sister. But that ended all at once when Russia started the war in 2014. Back then, I was too young to understand things fully, but it was clear to me from the very beginning that killing [people] and destroying my family’s city is a great tragedy — for me and, first and foremost, for my loved ones.

Now there are fewer and fewer ways to stay in touch with my family. Fewer and fewer places to find out what’s happening in Ukraine. But Meduza is one of those places where I can go and learn the truth. Yes, it’s sometimes bitter, terrible, and unbearably painful. But it’s still the truth.

Please, support Meduza! We in Russia need reliable information and common sense. Thank you! Peace and love!

🌿 Dusty Blue Lemon Balm

I’m a lesbian from a Russian city I’ll call “N.” My city is very small, and it’s near the border [with Ukraine]. Every day, I feel the war’s presence, but it’s not something you talk about in society — even though it’s obvious that everyone’s sick of it. 

At the same time, despite the external security threat, you also sense a threat from within. You can’t be sure that meeting another queer person won’t turn out to be a setup. You can’t be sure that a conversation with an acquaintance about the authorities won’t eventually become compromising material against you. You can’t be sure that repeatedly refusing to download [the state-sponsored “super app”] Max won’t raise questions. But you can be completely sure that an attempt to financially support “undesirable” and “extremist” organizations like Meduza will land you a prison sentence. This is exactly what’s keeping Russians from trying to do so. I’m one of them, and I hope someone will respond to my message and donate on my behalf.

🪻Titanium Cornflower

A strange situation has developed in Russia today. Many people shy away from unpleasant topics and conversations to maintain the appearance of normalcy in everyday life. And yet everyone wonders — what’s really happening? After all, without a connection to reality, one can’t stay sane. In this situation, Meduza offers many people a chance not to lose that connection. It’s open to everyone and breaks through any Internet block. Let’s support Meduza and help people save themselves and move towards the future, leaving this runaway dictatorship behind.

🌸 Light Blue Peach

Friends, I’m asking everyone to support Meduza. Like many people, I’ve been reading Meduza every day since the beginning of the invasion, for almost four years now. I can’t say that it’s pleasant reading. It’s very hard. But if Meduza ceases to exist, it will be even worse.

Meduza not only provides access to information but also gives hope. As long as we have a publication like this in the Russian language, maybe there is a future for Russian society. Meduza unites us, and I’m asking you to support them. 

🌾 Iridescent Sedge

My friends and I often remember how afraid we were that we would be kicked out of school for participating in protests or that our parents would be fined. We’ve grown up, my friends have left, and now I’m all alone, fearing much scarier and more serious things. Friends, please donate to Meduza so that my (and many others’) connection to the world isn’t cut off, and so that being afraid won’t be so scary.

🌿 Green Coriander

For me, Meduza is the main source of truth. It’s an important and loud reminder of what must not be ignored or forgotten. When propaganda pours into your ears from every conceivable source around, and the people around you painstakingly and desperately pretend that nothing is happening, Meduza helps you not to join this current of indifference. It’s very important to me that this independent source continues to work, no matter what. But, unfortunately, I cannot help it financially :(

Therefore, I ask you to please help Meduza however you can if you have the opportunity! Mentally, across thousands of kilometers, I’m shaking your hand and sending you my gratitude! 

Someday, February will end, and spring will inevitably come. No to war!