In Moscow, a 23-year-old blogger from Samara, Alena Agafonova, was detained on charges connected to desecrating the Motherland monument in Volgograd, according to authorities in the Volgograd region.
The individual returned to Russia on February 8 and was detained at a Moscow airport before being transported to Volgograd. The authorities are deciding on a preventive measure. After her arrest, investigators released a video in which she apologized for her actions: “I appeal to all residents of Russia and Volgograd and do not ask anyone to take actions like I did last summer. I didn’t even think I could hurt someone’s feelings with my stupidity. I apologize to all Russian citizens.”
“Tickling” the homeland
Investigators say that in June 2023, the blogger filmed herself at Mamayev Kurgan, producing a video in which she performed indecent and cynical acts. According to V1.ru, Agafonova directed the camera toward the Motherland Is Calling statue, pointed a finger at the statue’s chest, and began to “tickle” the monument while humming a circus tune. The clip appeared on her Instagram story, which drew widespread criticism. Although she deleted the post, it had already gone viral. She publicly apologized for the incident shortly afterward.
“I did not intend to insult the Motherland or the soldiers of the Second World War. My grandmother fought in the war, and my grandfathers defended our country with sacrifice. I sincerely apologize for any stories that I did not mean to turn into mockery of our country’s history or the lives given for its future. I am deeply sorry this happened. The act was foolish, and I regret it”, she told media outlets.
A criminal case was opened under the statute addressing the rehabilitation of Nazism (Part 4 of Article 354.1 of the Criminal Code), with a potential maximum penalty of up to five years in prison. The Volgograd police initially led the investigation, but supervision shifted to the Investigative Committee at the direction of its chairman, Alexander Bastrykin, and the case was transferred to the Volgograd Investigative Committee. Six months later, Agafonova was detained, with officials asserting she had left Russia to evade investigators.
“Dress the Motherland more modestly”
A separate controversy involved a Bashkir activist, Rasul Akhiyaretdinov, who released a video message to President Vladimir Putin urging changes to the monument. He argued that the statue’s appearance, particularly its bare chest and protruding nipples, was inappropriate and called for redesign. He suggested modest alterations to the monument, saying it would be beneficial for it to be dressed more conservatively.
Akhiyaretdinov claimed to have consulted with Muslim and Orthodox clergy, as well as Volgograd residents, concluding that few were unhappy with the monument’s appearance and that some modest adjustments could help. He said most Volgograd residents supported him, although many on social networks criticized his stance.
Users described the statue as a sacred symbol for the Soviet and Russian peoples, and some warned against undermining it. Akhiyaretdinov acknowledged that after contacting the president, negative comments and even threats appeared on his pages. He argued that the Motherland belongs to more than just Volgograd residents and that the city’s opinions should not dictate the entire nation’s view.
He noted exposure to hostile comments online, including threats, and defended his position by saying he wished to protect what he calls his homeland. He also mentioned frequent posts on social networks that mocked the statue, questioning whether it should be permissible for people to touch or tickle the monument without consequence.