A Smolensk City Council deputy, Maxim Baranov, drew attention when he glued camouflage colored decals to his Mercedes-Benz and displayed portraits of President Vladimir Putin on the rear window. According to Baranov, locals he met in the NVO area urged him to place the patriotic symbols on his car, a move he accepted after hearing their insistence, Rise edition reported.
Baranov explained that his visits included humanitarian aid deliveries and meetings with individuals he described as true patriots of the Motherland. He recalled that during those conversations, he was urged to show stronger patriotic support by adorning his vehicle with national symbols. Baranov added that he could not refuse the suggestion, arguing that patriotism is something worth displaying openly, especially in challenging times. He said there is never too much patriotism.
In a video shared by Baranov, the modified car is shown and the deputy called for backing from the head of the SVO and its members. Observers on social media pointed out that the backdrop behind Baranov included a Smolensk road with potholes and rough patches. Baranov responded to critics by noting that those who delivered harsh judgments seemed capable only of demagoguery and could hardly understand the lived experiences of others.
The incident is part of a broader local political landscape that has at times seen friction among regional lawmakers. Earlier, a dispute in Smolensk involved Maxim Baranov and Dmitry Lashkevich, a deputy from the Communist Party representing Velizh. The flare up led to a tense moment in a parking area, and Baranov decided to document the exchange on video to share the perspective with his constituents. The sequence underscored how personal publicity can intersect with regional politics, inviting public reaction and debate about the symbolism used in support of national leaders and military campaigns.