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The Kyiv Independent’s Kollen Post sits down with retired U.S. astronaut Col. Terry W. Virts to discuss his time aboard the International Space Station alongside Russian colleagues in 2014–2015, during Russia’s annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine's eastern regions. Virts shares personal recollections of how his crewmates fell under the sway of Russian propaganda — and why he believes space missions should remain above politics.