©picture alliance / Anadolu | Kremlin Press Office
A video of a Russian veteran threatening Putin with mutiny has already been viewed millions of times on social media.
A video of Russian blogger and war veteran Alexander Lunin, in which he threatens a military uprising against President Vladimir Putin, has been viewed millions of times on social media. In the recording, Lunin demands a face-to-face meeting with Putin and says that, otherwise, he does not rule out the possibility that military personnel will turn against the Kremlin. The Kremlin said it was aware of the video but had not yet watched it.
Lunin shares his messages via Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram, often appearing in military uniform. Russian media confirm that he is 39 years old, hails from the Voronezh region, and is a veteran of the war in Ukraine. In his most recent video, he complains about abuse and corruption within the military. According to him, commanders send soldiers on suicide missions and punish them when they refuse orders.
The video went viral almost instantly and garnered more than 10 million to 14 million views in a short time, depending on the platform and the count. Lunin claims that he is merely relaying a message on behalf of high-ranking officials within the military and security services, but provides no evidence to support this.
Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded cautiously. He said the Kremlin had heard about the appeal but had not yet been able to review it. He called the wording “strange” and did not yet wish to offer a substantive assessment.
Comments on the video also refer to the mutiny led by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023. Whether Lunin actually intends to spark an uprising is uncertain, but his message does seem to be resonating with an audience that is increasingly questioning the war and the treatment of Russian soldiers.
©picture alliance / Anadolu | Kremlin Press Office - illustrative image