Stas “Oh, how simple!” Vasiliev, a well-known Russian blogger, weighed in on the discourse surrounding journalist and blogger Yuri Dudya, who is viewed by some in the Russian Federation as a foreign agent. Vasiliev suggested that Dudya does not hold fraudulent views in the videos circulating on YouTube, arguing that the core of his message carries genuine conviction and a willingness to engage with tough topics. He stressed that the platform’s role is to reflect discussions, not censor bold opinions, and he highlighted the channel labeled as Macarena as part of the broader YouTube ecosystem where ideas spread and evolve.
According to Vasiliev, Dudya possesses authentic perspectives. He pointed out a curious dynamic on YouTube where counting views is not always straightforward and where engagement in the form of likes can better reveal how audiences connect with a video. Vasiliev used an example: a video by Dmitry Puchkov, known as Goblin, appears alongside Dudya’s content, and while the listed views may be similar, Dudya’s videos tend to accumulate proportionally more likes. The blogger noted that YouTube has been experimenting with its own metrics and sometimes appears to slow down, a frustration he has encountered himself in past experiences.
Vasiliev explained that the potential for Dudya to reach a wider audience hinges on strategic posting for recommendations. He argued that Dudya’s existing popularity provides a foundation for amplification, especially when a broader network supports the content. The approach involves collaboration with sympathetic liberal voices, cross-posting through various Telegram channels, TikTok clips drawn from the videos, and related Twitter activity. This multi-channel broadcasting, in Vasiliev’s view, can stimulate algorithmic promotion and help the material find new viewers across platforms.
During the conversation, Stas Vasiliev expressed a positive stance toward Dudya. He stated that his sympathy stems from Dudya’s willingness to speak candidly, even if some moments expose him to ridicule or misinterpretation. Vasiliev suggested that Dudya does not shy away from looking foolish in public forums, a quality that some audiences value for its perceived honesty and courage. This openness, according to the blogger, is what keeps the discussion lively and prevents the discourse from stagnating.
Previously, Vasiliev faced penalties from the same platform, resulting in the deletion of two of his channels. After those removals, he ceased posting videos on the service for a period and redirected his efforts toward hosting a program on a different platform, offering commentary and analysis on contemporary issues. The transition illustrates how content creators navigate changes in distribution channels while still seeking to engage and inform viewers about current events and public debates.