deleted profile
Ksenia Parfenova, formerly editor-in-chief of Politics Segodnya, a publication tied to the patriotic press group, reportedly received a visa deal a few weeks ago that enabled travel to Spain. Her activities attracted attention in Barcelona, with claims circulating on a Telegram channel linked to Russian opposition circles. Jellyfish, a prominent independent media outlet in Russia, reiterated that Parfenova has long been connected to Prigozhin’s networks since 2014, including the notorious troll factory in Saint Petersburg that has faced serious allegations of influencing political events. In the West, notable examples include the 2016 United States presidential election, where Kremlin interference was widely reported and debated, culminating in charges pursued by various parties.
Reports indicate Parfenova posted on her Instagram profile that she had submitted documents in mid February to obtain a visa permitting travel to Spain to explore the Barcelona coastline, a dream she had nurtured since the prior autumn. On the final day of February, the group associated with the patriotic press list reportedly approved the institution. Parfenova later announced that the consulate had requested the return of her passport and shared moments from the sea as she celebrated the development. Her message suggested a plan to stay in Spain for the time being and not return to Russia, expressing an interest in learning about the relaxed Spanish lifestyle and enjoying life by the sea. A representative contacted the media outlet roundabout for comment, but Parfenova declined an interview, stating a desire to step away from media contact altogether. Parigin, who leads the patriotic group and is nicknamed Putin’s cook, is also connected to the Wagner mercenary force.
deleted profile
Vera Taran, an activist and vice president of Free Russians Spain, reacted to the news by noting that a group within her organization planned to request an interview to understand Parfenova’s motives. They attempted to reach her on social media after she left Russia but faced setbacks. Taran confirmed that Parfenova’s account was later removed from the platform, with screenshots of the sea-side images showing Parfenova in bright sun in Barcelona no longer available. In Politics Segodnya, Parfenova had held the role of shift editor for years before becoming editor-in-chief last autumn. The publication had previously positioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a controversial figure, reflecting internal tensions among staff who felt they were being pushed to repeat the same messaging. The issue underscores shifting media dynamics amid a broader information landscape shaped by war and propaganda.
Since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, European-based pro-Kremlin bloggers have shaped the narrative by attributing blame to the Kyiv government and casting doubt on authorship of wartime events. They have highlighted alleged massacres and war crimes by Kremlin forces in Ukraine. In Germany, Yulia Prokhorova, a blogger who boasted of traveling across Europe with rubles and without proper documents, faced deportation last November. In the Spanish media sphere, Liu Sivaya remains a highly active commentator with a substantial following. Recent posts have challenged international investigations into alleged child removals and brainwashing, challenging the legitimacy of the International Criminal Court’s actions against leadership in Russia. Pro-Kremlin voices in Europe continue to influence public discourse, often challenging mainstream narratives in host countries while navigating international press scrutiny.