Russian blogger's fiery critique of Putin sparks controversy
Russian blogger Yegor Guzenko, who runs the Telegram channel "Trzynasty" (with 305,000 subscribers), has published a series of emotional videos in which he sharply criticized Vladimir Putin, the Russian government, and the military leadership. Guzenko, who used very strong words, later deleted a post directed at Putin.
Soon after the publication, Yegor Guzenko removed some of his most provocative statements, despite initially assuring that he was not afraid of persecution.
Later, an audio recording appeared on his channel, in which a male voice explained that Guzenko's "team" removed some of the material because he is "a man of storm, elemental nature, and emotions," and sometimes his emotions are too large.
The reason for Guzenko's outrage was the news of the initiation of criminal proceedings against war correspondent Alexander Sladkov. The Russian military accused Sladkov of discrediting the army, but thanks to the intervention of WGTRK General Director Oleg Dobrodeyev and the president’s administration, the problem was resolved.
Sladkov has gone through Afghanistan, Chechnya, and "virtually all armed conflicts," and has post-traumatic stress disorder. Filing a case against a war correspondent is a scandal - wrote an upset Guzenko.
Called Putin an old man. The blogger lists his mistakes
In his statements, Guzenko sharply criticized Vladimir Putin, calling him an "old man" and connecting events in Ukraine with the fact that the Russian president did not start a full-scale war in 2014.
If 10 years ago one old man hadn’t pooped himself, and in 2014 had honestly gone to war (in Ukraine), there wouldn’t be all this nonsense, and so many boys wouldn't have died. And now you’re imprisoning us and killing us - said Guzenko.
The blogger added that he felt offended that 10 years ago, he and other conflict participants believed and went to fight, while Russian leaders were playing and negotiating.
Guzenko also added that, in his opinion, traitors have taken over Russia and are now sitting in the Kremlin. He reminded that Russian authorities have locked up "inconvenient" citizens, citing Igor Strelkov (Girkin) who was sentenced for extremism as an example.
