"“I guess I should write some kind of year-end summary.

The year was extremely exciting and creative and extremely disappointing.

I started it with a wish that it would be a year without Ukraine. By the end of the year, despite all attempts, Ded Moroz failed to realize this request, although Ukraine became a little less. So, the request moves to next year.

This year I did a lot of things both creatively and non-publicly. There seemed to be every reason to be proud. But almost all of my activity ended rather disappointingly, far short of the level of recognition and response that what was done deserved. I had to deal with human stupidity, cowardice, and sometimes meanness. But thanks to those who were there for me and did not betray me.

But I learned a lot of new things. Acquired a number of rather unique creative competencies. Punched will above my weight (at least subjectively) all year.

I really hope that some of the things I did this year that I didn't do publicly will blossom and bear fruit next year. I hope so. What else is left to do?

Of what I have done publicly, the films about Brodskiy and the Patriotic War of 1812 deserve unconditional public attention - the second film is far from receiving the public recognition it deserved, in my opinion. On the other hand, it's good that it came out at all.

A very important book of Russian biographies for me, “Good Russian People”, from Ivan III to Konstantin Krylov, was published at the beginning of the year. Also in the freezer is almost ready book about the movie - just somehow not yet to the movie.

The whole year I was running the program “Kholmogorsk Carving” on “Sputnik”. And, in my opinion, it turned out very well.

I went back to school.

I began to read lectures on the saints of Moscow.

Most importantly, I began to move towards my life's work. A big historical project. I began the year by formulating a philosophy of history from the point of view of superstructures. I finished with plans to write a generalizing book-textbook - the people's support turned out to be so large-scale that next year I will be actively engaged in it to justify the trust.

So, we can look to the future with cautious optimism.

It was a difficult year, but one of those years that changed history (in every sense of the word).”"