People who play war

А documentary photo project about the Russian subculture of military simulation. Milsim brings together people who are seriously interested in military tactical games, reenacting the major armed conflicts of our times: the Afghan, Yugoslav, Chechen and Syrian wars. I has immersed myself in the life of the Milsim community for eight years, observing participants transforming themselves into Special Forces soldiers, sappers, police officers and non-combatants, such as reporters, doctors and civilians. Аmong people who do war games are law enforcement officers, office workers and creative professionals. Milsim not only helps them escape the routine; it also gives them the opportunity to live a different life and even cope with traumatic experiences they have had in reality. For most players, immersion in war is limited to a hobby. But in February 2022, after the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, the wall separating milsim from reality was torn down.