Russian blogger Ivan Losev, 26, was fined for “discrediting the Russian military,” after describing a dream he had about Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on social media. He was fined 30,000 rubles (approximately $475) after a local court convicted him of violating a law that prohibits criticizing the military’s “operation” in Ukraine.
“Last night, I dreamed about being mobilized and brought to some kind of boot camp,” Losev posted on his Instagram account.
“Suddenly, AFU (Armed Forces of Ukraine) fighters led by Zelensky burst in, rounded everyone up, and were about to execute us by firing squad.
“At this moment, Zelensky walks past me and says: ‘Ah, I’ve seen your stories on Instagram. Glory to Ukraine!’ I reply: ‘Glory to heroes!’ Zelensky pats me on the shoulder and approvingly says: ‘Let this one go, and execute everyone else.’
“So there we are, me and him, standing side by side, watching, and I tell him: ‘Can I get a selfie with you for my Instagram?’ Zelensky says: ‘Sure.’”
Losev was later contacted by a local official telling him he was in violation of the law, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The law was passed amid the invasion and has been used to crack down on criticism of the invasion of Ukraine.
