Soldier rebukes Putin, Shoigu for Moscow parties amidst conflict: 'We're rotting in trenches'
7:29 AM EST, December 25, 2023
A recording surfaced online, allegedly from a Russian soldier based in Mariinka, in the Donetsk region. The man stated that he had recently been mobilized and expressed his frustration at a party of Russian influencers in Moscow. The event was organized by blogger and TV presenter Nastya Ivleeva.
"Look at these bunch: while we're fighting and rotting in the trenches, they're parading around with 23 million rubles worth of jewels (referring to the jewelry worn by Nastya Ivleeva - ed.) and they brag about it. How do you explain this? Comrade Putin, Comrade Shoigu, what does this mean?" - the soldier asked in the recording.
He also demanded to know when the mobilization of soldiers would conclude and when they could return home. He suggested that convicts sent to the front were being set free, slating the authorities for appearing to "pardon" murderers and rapists.
"We've been rotting in these trenches with mice for a year and a half. When will it end? To hell with Putin and Shoigu! When will this stop?! We've had enough of this," remarked the soldier in the recording.
He accused the authorities of failing to make a visible front line despite years of boasting about a mighty army to Russian society. The man also warned celebrities, insinuating that armed soldiers would come after them and "take them all out".
Controversial party causes stir in Moscow
A party organized by blogger and TV presenter Nastya Ivleeva took place at the Mutador club in Moscow on December 20 and 21. The event required a special dress code, specifically, attendees had to be "almost naked".
Following the release of photos from the event online, many pro-Putin activists expressed fury over the organization of such a party during wartime. They lodged a complaint with the Attorney General and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, while Roskomnadzor claimed they observed "signs of LGBT promotion".
Ivleeva subsequently responded with a statement, announcing that all the proceeds from ticket sales for the parties would be directed to charitable causes. She also apologized for making the event's photos and recordings public.
