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There is currently a surge in reported Covid-19 infections in Russia, but many admit it is hard to verify the actual figures. Shielding, and mask-wearing have not been widely adopted and the country is struggling to reach targets for even single dose vaccinations.

Simeon's grandmother, Sofia Pozharitskya, caught the virus and died following hospitalisation in Moscow. He says she was a different person when she came home - severely malnourised, unable to walk, with none of the spark she'd shown before getting sick. At 89, she'd still been mentoring and teaching. She also developed heart problems and died in her sleep a few weeks later.

Simeon recounts the rapid decline in her health. He says she was concerned about the safety of the vaccine, and wouldn't agree to vaccination, but he regrets not making more of an effort to persuade her.

"I'm not the only one who's lost a loved one to Covid, but it's hard to forgive yourself."

Photo: Sofia Pozharitskya, Simeon's grandmother, in 2010 Courtesy of Sofia's grandson, Simeon

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