Danila Poperechny, a comedian who has been labeled a foreign agent by Russian authorities, recently reacted on Instagram to the news that he faces a second administrative liability in Russia. The post drew attention to the broader context in which Meta platforms have been banned in the country as part of a crackdown that treats social media as a arena for political messaging. Poperechny reminded readers that Meta, the platform used for his posts, is publicly treated as tied to extremist activity within the Russian legal framework, a factor that colors how his online presence is perceived and monitored. The situation illustrates the ongoing pressure faced by individuals who entertain while navigating Russian media rules.
Poperechny wrote that being labeled a foreign agent followed by a second administrative case reveals an odd dynamic: a public figure who makes jokes and posts humorous videos on YouTube is still pursued by authorities. He described the state of play with irony and resilience, suggesting that these labels and cases do not dampen his creative drive or the reach of his online content.
The post drew a quick response from Mikhail Shats, a television presenter and fellow comedian who has also faced scrutiny in Russia. He offered a brief, familiar remark in support of Poperechny, calling the situation a known pattern and adding a lighthearted emoji to emphasize the casual tone of the exchange.
On 22 November a 50,000 ruble fine was imposed under the discrediting the army article for Instagram posts, according to the court. The ruling stated that the blogger’s publications were aimed at creating a negative attitude toward the Russian army and thus violated the law on public discourse and defense topics.
In June, the Ministry of Justice formally recognized Poperechny as a foreign agent because of his work with information platforms controlled by foreign entities. He had spoken out against the ongoing military operation and questioned the actions of Russian officials. He attempted to appeal the designation, but the effort did not succeed.
Earlier, in January 2023, Poperechny and his wife, Polina Chistyakova, emigrated to the United States. In June, the comedian sold his Saint Petersburg apartment for 35 million rubles, reflecting broader moves among public figures who weigh living abroad against domestic obligations.
Previously, musician Makarevich, who had also been labeled a foreign agent in Russia, stated that Borodin would be allocated one of its facilities in the country, a claim that underscores how political labels can intersect with cultural and economic discussions within Russia.